Report: Martin Killing Resonates in Stratford

In an article published online April 8, The Washington Post reports on the parallels of the nationally-publicized Trayvon Martin killing and an incident in Stratford in 2006 when a black councilman interfered with the arrest of a black teenager by a white officer. 

In both cases, the article says, there are "dueling stories" as to what happened, as well as accusations by the public that racism could have been involved.

"What is indisputable is that South End residents believe the police patrol their part of town with a heavy hand," the article says.

Interviewed by reporters are: former Mayor James Miron, Republican registrar of voters Louis DeCilio, Councilwoman Stephanie Philips, as well as the mother of the teen girl who was arrested, who told the newspaper she backed off from buying a home in Stratford's North End after she found a noose in the front yard.

The Washington Post cites the creation of a and the naming of as progress toward healing racial fissures.

However, at least one resident interviewed said the racial divide is still profound.

"Trayvon Martin is not far from happening here," , a registered nurse and who is black and has lived in Stratford for 20 years, told the newspaper. "I don't see the improvement yet."