Since her 17-year-old son was murdered for having the audacity to believe he could walk safely through his father’s neighborhood while Black with a hoodie on, Sybrina Fulton has used her voice to rail against injustice. Now the Miami Gardens native has announced she will challenge Oliver Gilbert, the current mayor of her city, for the District 1 Seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission, reported the Miami Herald.
The seat has been occupied by Commissioner Barbara Jordan since 2004, but due to term limits Jordan cannot run in 2020. Fulton announced she would oppose Gilbert for the seat on Saturday, May 18.
The move seems a natural next step for Fulton. She has been working tirelessly to end gun violence and improve her community since she was propelled into the national spotlight after Trayvon’s tragic death. Along with Trayvon’s father Tracy Martin and brother Jahvaris, Fulton founded the Trayvon Martin Foundation in his memory – and the non-profit is known for how it gives back.
Through the foundation, Fulton and family host an annual peace walk and talk, give scholarships to deserving students and run the Circle of Mothers and Circle of Fathers to empower parents tasked with raising the next generation.
Fulton also co-authored “Rest In Power,” which was adapted into a six-part documentary detailing Trayvon’s life and how his death sparked the rise of Black Lives Matter. Despite having her own son’s murderer acquitted, she travels extensively to advocate for social justice issues and encourage people to have hope.
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In her statement announcing her bid for the commission seat, Fulton said her work is far from done. “Since 2012, I have advocated tirelessly to empower our communities and make them safer … But the work is not done. I am proud to announce that I will run to represent District 1 on the county commission,” she said.
Fulton campaigned for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election and is often outspoken about political issues. If elected, she will broaden her focus to include critical issues impacting the economic position of those in her district, which is heavily Black.
“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 … I am ready to take on these issues and many others in county government,” she said.
Fulton is one of a growing list of Black mothers who’ve lost their children to gun violence to run for office. Since Trayvon’s death she has encouraged people to be the change they want to see.
In 2015, during a speech at a church Fulton said, “ … if you really want to make a difference … then change can start here with you,” reported the Washington Post.
