Six years ago today, Trayvon Martin fought for his life when George Zimmerman racially profiled, shot and killed the 17-year-old in in Sanford, Florida. The loss still resonates today on the anniversary of his death, but Martin’s memory still lives on.
There are several events today remembering Martin, who if he had lives, would be 23-years old. His parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin have worked tirelessly since losing their son to bring about a better understanding of racial profiling.
Several people have taken to Twitter to share messages of supportive reminding the world that Martin’s death sparked a national outcry for justice–one that has yet to be realized, but is far from forgotten.
READ MORE: JAY-Z GIVES TOUCHING SPEECH AT TRAYVON MARTIN PEACE WALK
Six years ago today, Trayvon Martin was shot to death while walking home by an armed vigilante. His killer was exonerated by Florida’s Stand-Your-Ground law, which promotes a “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality.
Let’s pledge to honor Trayvon’s life with action. pic.twitter.com/QCchCfZ60N
— Moms Demand Action (@MomsDemand) February 26, 2018
6 years ago Trayvon Martin was murdered by George Zimmerman. May we never forget Trayvon and may we forever be grateful for him for igniting a new generation of freedom fighters. Rest in Freedom Trayvon. pic.twitter.com/nBrocWxF9u
— Rosa A. Clemente (@rosaclemente) February 26, 2018
6 years ago today, Trayvon Martin was murdered simply because he was Black. There was no justice for his family & every year we’re reminded of why we must continue to fight in his name, & in the name of all Black children victimized by racists. #UntilJusticeIsReal #TrayvonMartin pic.twitter.com/JpGWKm828S
— ColorOfChange.org (@ColorOfChange) February 26, 2018
Six years ago on this date, #TrayvonMartin was killed. May we never forget to #SayHisName pic.twitter.com/SUBGg0vnRF
— NAACP (@NAACP) February 26, 2018
No Justice, Some Peace
On February 26, 2012, Martin was shot and killed by Zimmerman, who was 28 at the time. Zimmerman admitted killing Martin, but said he was acting in self-defense. Zimmerman was eventually acquitted off all charges.
The case, nonetheless, is still gaining traction today and recently rapper Jay-Z spoke at the Trayvon Martin Peace Walk & Peace Talk, standing in support along with Trayvon’s parents.
“It’s a beautiful thing that Sybrina and Tracy are doing with their strength,” he began. “Thank you, for being here. It’s the support you guys are showing, and the strength that Tracy, Sybrina and the family are showing. We want to make sure we stand in support and never forget.”
He continued: “Trayvon serves as a beacon of light to all the people out here. So you guys will never have to go through the pain and the hurt that these guys went through. His name will sit alongside some of the greats who lost their life to push our culture forward. The Martin Luther Kings, the Gandhis. That’s the intention that we set, that his name serves as a beacon of light and hope, and push us in a better direction.”
The rapper who is known to produce projects that shed light on the plight of Black men and boys, said he plans to release a documentary series based on Martin’s life and death.
The series will be based on the books Suspicion Nation: The Inside Story of the Trayvon Martin Injustice and Why We Continue to Repeat It and Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin.
When he heard about the docuseries, Zimmerman took to social media to threaten the mogul claiming that he would “beat Jay-Z” and feed him to “an alligator.” The threat followed claims that executive producer Michael Gasparro was harassing Zimmerman’s family for footage to include in the film. Zimmerman also posted, “I know how to handle people who f–k with me, I have since February 2012.”