Opposing sides of Trayvon Martin case plan protests in River Oaks

Quanell X answers questions about Trey Foster, the alleged Lone Star College shooter, after he turned himself to authorities at the Harris County Jail on Thursday, June 6, 2013, in Houston. ( Mayra Beltran / Mayra Beltran ) less Quanell X answers questions about Trey Foster, the alleged Lone Star College shooter, after he turned himself to authorities at the Harris County Jail on Thursday, June 6, 2013, in Houston. ( Mayra Beltran / ... more Photo: Mayra Beltran, Staff Photo: Mayra Beltran, Staff Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Opposing sides of Trayvon Martin case plan protests in River Oaks 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

Houston community activist Quanell X plans to lead a march this weekend in the River Oaks community to protest a Florida jury's acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

The marchers won't be alone, though.

A newly organized group, G. Zimmerman River Oaks Stand Your Ground, plans to hold a counter demonstration Sunday in the tranquil, tree-lined community dotted with stately mansions, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries.

"For many years young black men from the traditional Fourth Ward were told to don't even go toward River Oaks," Quanell X said. "I can't think of a better community in Houston to (demonstrate to) bring down the pernicious image of African American men and to stop racial profiling."

Dozens of protesters marched on the U.S. Federal Courthouse and Houston City Hall on Tuesday to voice opposition to the verdict that cleared Zimmerman of wrongdoing in the Feb. 26, 2012, fatal confrontation with the unarmed teen in Florida.

Meanwhile, Houston resident Jon Smith launched G. Zimmerman River Oaks Stand Your Ground, and urged supporters on a Facebook page to rally in River Oaks on Sunday.

The group's Facebook page acknowledges the potential for violence at the rally and includes updates expressing frustration with other high-profile court cases with racial elements. The group's page prominently features a Confederate flag.

Houston Police Department spokesman John Cannon said that officers would be on hand at the demonstration.

"We monitor each and every protest and this protest will be no different," he said. "We're not going to get specific, but we will have the necessary resources for whatever we need."

Gary Mangold, general manager of River Oaks Property Owners Inc., said his office would "default to HPD" for security at the march, and there are no plans to boost private security patrols.

"It's their right to (protest)," Mangold said. "Our neighbors usually stay tuned to current events, and we'll try to let them know what we know by communicating through email. I expect it to be peaceful. We don't have any reason to think otherwise."

Mangold said he wasn't aware of the Zimmerman group until a he received a call from a news reporter.

Quanell X had a message for the counter protesters:

"I look forward to meeting those that support Zimmerman. They have rights and I encourage them to do so. We will support Trayvon Martin without fear and without compromise, and I guarantee them we will be supporting Trayvon on Sunday.

"This is our civil rights moment," he said.

The protest is expected to kick off about 4 p.m.