theGrio’s 100: Sybrina Fulton, a mother fighting for ‘Stand Your Ground’ reforms

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Who is Sybrina Fulton?

Sybrina Fulton is the mother of 17-year-old of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teen who was shot and killed in Sanford, FL by neighborhood watch guard George Zimmerman. His controversial death led to a polarizing trial where Fulton and her son’s father, Tracy Martin, hoped the outcome would find Zimmerman guilty of second degree murder. Instead, the weeks long court battle ultimately resulted in a jury acquitting Zimmerman of all charges.

Now, Fulton is the co-founder of The Trayvon Martin Foundation, a non-profit organization set out to raise awareness on senseless gun violence and help provide support and advocacy for families who have had relatives fall victim to it.

Why is she on theGrio’s 100?

Following the death of her son and the verdict reached in the Zimmerman trial, Fulton was catapulted to the national stage and she used her new platform to speak out against Florida’s Stand Your Ground laws, racial profiling and gun violence.  She shared her grief with the nation as she appeared at rallies, conventions and news broadcasts to describe Martin’s true spirit and how his life and death can be used to reform gun laws. Fulton has thoroughly advocated against senseless violence and hopes her message will ensure that there will be “no more Trayvon Martins again.”

“Trayvon is my son, but Trayvon is also your son,” Fulton once said. “At times I feel like I a broken vessel. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is using me and using my family to make a change and to make a difference.”

What’s next for Fulton?

Fulton will continue to lead the Trayvon Martin Foundation and travel the nation to spread messages on the importance of gun safety laws. She continues her fight to call on lawmakers to amend “Stand Your Ground” laws while she still grieves the loss of her son.

However, Martin is also survived through Fulton’s eldest son, Jahvaris Fulton, 22, who is currently in school at Florida International University and is serving as an intern for Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla.