Trayvon Martin's parents begin to weigh political bids

Sybrina Fulton, Tracy Martin may run for office

MIAMI – Trayvon Martin's parents are considering running for public office since they do not believe much progress has been made on racial justice since the Florida teenager was killed five years ago in a shooting that fueled the Black Lives Matter movement, USA Today reports.

Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin said they're glad their son's death has kindled a national conversation, but they fear President Donald Trump will reverse what has already been accomplished.

According to an interview with USA Today, the slain teen's parents said they are both now considering running for office.

Tracy Martin worries that the new administration will make it easier for law enforcement officers and citizens to justify violence against minorities on grounds that they felt their safety was in danger.

When Trayvon was killed in Sanford in 2012, the man accused of shooting him, George Zimmerman, argued in court that he felt threatened by the unarmed 17-year-old wearing a hoodie. When the jury found Zimmerman not guilty in the teen's death, people across the country protested the verdict.

In the USA Today interview, Fulton said that she feels obligated to be part of the change and the only way to do that is if they start with local government and work their way up. She believes that they could eventually make their way to the White House, though they would have to begin with winning election to seats on the city or county commission. 

For more information on the USA Today interview, click here.

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