Mother of Trayvon Martin officially launches campaign for Miami-Dade County Commission

Sybrina Fulton to face off against Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert

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 

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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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About the Author:

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.