Since being thrust into the national spotlight after the 2012 fatal shooting of her teenage son, Trayvon Martin, Sybrina Fulton has dedicated her time to advocating on behalf of social justice causes and speaking out against gun violence.

After appearing on network television, co-authoring a book on her experiences, organizing annual peace walks, telling her family’s story with the help of JAY-Z and helping form the non-profit organization, the Trayvon Martin Foundation, in her son’s memory, the proud mother-turned-activist has decided to bring her advocacy efforts into the political sphere. As announced on Monday (May 20), Fulton is campaigning for a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission.

“Since 2012, I have advocated tirelessly to empower our communities and make them safer,” Fulton shared in a statement Saturday. “But the work is not done. I am proud to announce that I will run to represent District 1 on the county commission.”

Trayvon was only 17 at the time of his deadly encounter with George Zimmerman and his murder sparked a national dialogue on racial profiling.

“At first I didn’t want to be the voice for Trayvon after he died, but I decided I have no choice,” Fulton said in an Instagram video announcing her campaign. “Now I am called to act and called to serve.”

Through the Trayvon Martin Foundation, which she founded along with Trayvon’s father, Tracy Martin, and brother, Jahvaris Fulton, the family has pushed to reduce gun violence, as well as has provided support to the parents of young people, especially Black men, who have been killed by the police or in other acts of gun-related violence.

Additionally, in 2016, Fulton endorsed Hillary Clinton and spoke at the Democratic National Convention as part of Mothers of the Movement, a group comprised of women of color who suffered similar insufferable losses as she did. The group includes the mothers of Oscar Grant, Eric Garner and Sandra Bland, among others.

As reported, Fulton will be campaigning for the District 1 seat, which will be relinquished in 2020 by the term-limited Commissioner Barbara Jordan. Fulton will also be running against Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert.

“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,” Fulton elaborated. “I am ready to take on these issues and many others in county government.”

To learn more about Sybrina Fulton’s campaign, please visit www.sybrinafulton.com and see the posts below.