Sybrina Fulton: Verdict does not define Trayvon
VIDEO - The mother of slain Florida teenager Trayvon Martin will speak in Philadelphia today at the National Urban League's annual conference...
The mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin spoke as a special guest at the National Urban League’s annual conference in Philadelphia Friday.
Sybrina Fulton said she supports a federal investigation of George Zimmerman, who killed her son but was found not guilty of second-degree murder earlier this month. Since the verdict was reached, two jurors have come forward and claimed there was not enough evidence to prove Zimmerman shooting of Martin was intentional.
Fulton told the audience during her speech to wrap their minds around the fact that “all because of a law,” there would be no more great milestones for her son such as prom, graduation, college or parenthood. She asked that those in attendance think of Martin as their child as well as hers.
“Trayvon is my son,” said Fulton. “But Trayvon is also your son.”
She urged the audience to understand her pain, but relate to the incident in a way that spreads awareness about injustice. She asked them to use her story and her “broken heart” to make sure that what happened to her son does not happen to someone else’s child.
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Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman on February 26, 2012. After a delayed arrest, George Zimmerman was brought up on charges of second-degree murder. The jury of six women, mostly white, decided on July 13th to find Zimmerman not guilty of all charges.
“At times I feel like I a broken vessel,” said Fulton. “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.”
Sybrina Fulton talked about the Trayvon Martin foundation, and the work that it is doing to advocate for her son and others like him. She is determined not to let Zimmerman’s acquittal end her child’s story.
“The verdict is not going to define who Trayvon Martin was. We will define his legacy,” Fulton stated.
She concluded by asking the audience to lend her their voice to make sure there are “no more Trayvon Martins again.”
The federal investigation of Zimmerman is still ongoing, and Sybrina Fulton plans to play an active role in the Trayvon Martin foundation.
Click here for more GRIO coverage of the George Zimmerman Trial and aftermath.
