MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. ā The mother of the late Trayvon Martin officially launched her campaignĀ for Miami-Dade County Commission on Monday.
"It took for my son being shot down in order for me to stand up, but I'm standing now,"Ā Sybrina Fulton said in a campaign video announcing her run for the District 1 seat.
Fulton's son was 17 years old when he was shot and killed in Sanford by George Zimmerman in 2012.
Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder charges in Trayvon's death.
On Monday, Fulton was surrounded by a throng of supporters as she spoke at a news conference.
"I'm not a career politician. I'm one of you. I live amongst you. I am you,"Ā Fulton said.
Fulton is expected to face off against Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert.Ā
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MAY 20: Darion Sands listens as Sybrina Fulton announces that she will be running for the District 1 seat of the Miami-Dade County commissioners on May 20, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Ms. Fulton is the mother of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed 17-year-old boy who was fatally shot by George Zimmerman during an altercation in 2012 in Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Gilbert has announced he's also running for the District 1 seat.
The commission seat Fulton and Gilbert are seeking will be vacant in 2020 becauseĀ term limits will prevent current District 1 Commissioner Barbara Jordan from running again.
"I'm good at listening. I'm good at organizing and trying to resolve issues. I managed to keep my composure through the tragedy of losing my son. It just gave me a purpose," Fulton said. "It gave me more purpose to move on and to provide additional services to my community."
Fulton has served 24 years as a Miami-Dade County employee.Ā
She said in a Saturday statement that she would continue working to end gun violence.Ā
Trayvon's parents head a foundation and have been recognized for their work on gun reform and social justice.
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