Wow, I think I speak for so many people when I utter those three letter, that one word, it was all I could mutter yesterday as the verdict was read for George Zimmerman yesterday, “Not Guilty.” I couldn’t believe it, a 17 year old boy lost his life for nothing, maybe I didn’t think Zimmerman would get 2nd Degree Murder, but Manslaughter, I was almost certain, but of course I was wrong. My heart aches for the family of Trayvon and for everyone who spoke up and spoke out on this campaign. It was amazing to see the outpouring of love and support from celebrities across the web from A-list stars including Rihanna and Beyonce to perhaps the most outspoke Russell Simmons, this will undoubted be a case we will never forget. As we consider what can be done now I re-introduce to you the Trayvon Martin Foundation.
Trayvon Benjamin Martin (February 5, 1995 – February 26, 2012) was the son of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin. He was a junior at Dr. Michael M. Krop High School and lived with his mother and older brother in Miami Gardens, Florida. At age 9, Trayvon pulled his father from a burning kitchen, saving his life. Trayvon was our hero. He loved sports, repairing his bikes, listening to music and horseback riding. At only 17, he had a bright future ahead of him with dreams of attending college and becoming an aviation mechanic or pilot. On the day Martin was fatally shot, he and his father were visiting his father’s fiancée and her son at her townhome in Sanford, FL where the shooting occurred.
Last March the family formed the Trayvon Martin Foundation, the foundation was established as a Florida-based non-profit organization, in response to the murder of Trayvon Martin and the tragic events leading up to and after his death. The purpose of the Foundation is:
- To assist surviving families who grieve and suffer after tragically losing a loved one like we lost Trayvon;
- Advocating for crime victims and their families;
- To help amend the “Stand Your Ground” law in Florida and other states in which this or similar laws have been enacted;
- To assist other organizations whose mission is similar to ours;
- Educating young people on conflict resolution techniques; and
- Increasing public awareness against all forms of profiling.
The Trayvon Martin Foundation will use resources and tools to bring social awareness to similar cases. In this decade, we are still fighting some of the same issues that prompted the Civil Rights Movement as it pertains to injustice and racism. Therefore, the foundations plans to use social media, campaigns, marketing, public relations and organizational ties to bring awareness to the civil rights, injustices and social issues to uplift and advocate for the advancement of children and youth. You can give back and support this cause and help America see this travesty and hopefully prevent further crimes like this from happening. To learn more ways to give back and support this great cause text TMF to 50555 to give $10.00 to the Trayvon Martin Foundation (When prompted, reply with YES to confirm donation). Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. You can also still be vocal via social media and head on over to the NAACP website and sign the petition to seek federal charges against Zimmerman, over 115,000 people have already signed the pledge. Yesterday the website crashed so if it’s down as you visit keep trying. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Trayvon Martin, my heart is heavy, but I find hope in knowing that together we can do so much, let;s continue to work towards a better tomorrow.
