Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, is running for office in Miami, Florida, as reported by the Miami Herald. Specifically, she’s said she will run for a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission.
Since her unarmed 17-year-old son, Trayvon, was shot and killed by “neighborhood watch” volunteer George Zimmerman in 2012, Fulton has become a visible figure in efforts to reduce gun violence. Trayvon’s death put a national spotlight on Florida’s horrifying “stand your ground” laws and, for obvious reasons, gun violence and racism, especially against young black men.
In spite of this, Zimmerman was acquitted in 2013.
“Since 2012, I have advocated tirelessly to empower our communities and make them safer,” Fulton told the Miami Herald in a statement. “But the work is not done. I am proud to announce that I will run to represent District 1 on the county commission.”
“Our county must continue moving forward so our families are safe from violence, can afford to live in Miami-Dade, and have access to good paying jobs,” Fulton continued in her statement. “I am ready to take on these issues and many others in county government.”
When her son was killed, Fulton worked for the county. Since then, she’s openly advocated for gun reform, including more regulations for private gun sales and comprehensive background checks. More broadly, she’s also advocated for social justice and anti-poverty measures.