Photo Gallery: Thousands at Trayvon Martin Rally in Columbia

In a rally harkening back to the height of the civil rights era, thousands rallied in Columbia's sweltering heat as part of national day of action in response to the Trayvon Martin verdict last week.

Numerous speakers addressed the crowd in front of the statehouse, including Rep. Jim Clyburn, State Rep. Leon Howard of Richland County, and Chris Sullivan, a community leader who organized the effort.

After the remarks at the Statehouse the crowd marched down Main Street, en route to the Matthew Perry Federal Courthouse, passing along the way the intersection of Lincoln and Calhoun streets, a corner with undeniable symbolism.
"We're coming full circle," said Sullivan of the path through Lincoln and Calhoun.

Police estimated the crowd at 11,500 and reported no arrests and no medical problems as a result of the intense heat.*

* - Figure updated from original total.