Trayvon Martin's Mother Is Running For Office In Miami—And Inspiring Millions In The Process

Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, is running for political office in Florida.

Fulton will be running to represent District 1 on the county commission. The seat will be vacant in 2020 from current commissioner Barbara Jordan, who has reached her term limit.

Fulton announced her intention to run on Saturday.

Sybrina Fulton entered the national spotlight after the death of her son, Trayvon Martin. Since then, she has been on national television and co-written a book on her tragic experience.

17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in 2012 by George Zimmerman. The death of the unarmed African American child, and shooter's subsequent acquittal, sparked protests and a nationwide debate about race and gun control.

The activism from this event led to the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement, which seeks to bring attention to the disparity in the way minorities are treated by police.

Fulton started the Trayvon Martin Foundation in her son's memory to raise awareness about gun violence.

Her statement from this past weekend read:

"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."

Fulton will have competition from the Miami Gardens Mayor, Oliver Gilbert, who is also running for the seat.

However, her inspiring activism has many excited at the prospect of her running for public office.

Fulton has spent the intervening years campaigning for common sense gun control laws. After Zimmerman's acquittal, she became a full time advocate.

She said in her statement:

"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."

The Trayvon Martin Foundation is based out of Miami Gardens, and supports initiatives to support families who are the victims of gun violence.