The Moore County chapter of the NAACP plans to hold a rally and vigil in Trayvon Martin’s memory from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Southern Pines Pool Park.

“This is something we can do in memory of him and to support his family,” said O’Linda Gillis, NAACP president.

Martin, 17, was shot and killed Feb. 26 by George Zimmerman, a self-appointed Neighborhood Watch captain, while the teen walked through a gated Sanford, Fla. community. Zimmerman claimed he shot Martin in self-defense.

Reports about what happened during the incident have been conflicting and several agencies, including the FBI, are investigating. Police have not arrested Zimmerman or brought any charges against him, which has sparked demonstrations across the country.

Gillis stressed that Saturday’s event is intended to be peaceful and positive.

“We are calling for justice and a fair and thorough investigation,” Gillis said.

She asked that all signs carried to the vigil be supportive, not negative.

Moore County is the latest spot to hold an event in support of Martin and his family. Last weekend, rallies were held in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Salisbury. Numerous rallies have also been held across the country. Some events have reportedly drawn hundreds, even thousands of people. Many attendees donned hooded sweatshirts, similar to what Martin was wearing on the night he died.

The 90-minute local rally and vigil was first slated to start at 7 p.m., but Gillis opted to move the start time up so the event could finish before dark.

The Pool Park is located at 730 S. Henley St.

Contact Tom Embrey at tembrey@thepilot.com.