MIAMI – "It disappointed us greatly, but like I said, it didn't surprise us at all," the mother of the late teen Trayvon Martin said.
Dressed in red, to bring awareness to those killed by senseless violence, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin said they met Tuesday with officials from the Department of Justice, who explained there was little chance of convicting George Zimmerman of violating their son's civil rights. They said this was greatly based on the fact that there was only one side of the story in court.
"Disappointment, yes, but I don't think the disappointment falls on the Department of Justice," said Trayvon's father, Tracy Martin. "I think the disappointment falls on the state of Florida. I honestly feel that the murder of our son should've been convicted."
Thursday marks three years to the day that their 17-year-old son was killed in Central Florida. And though George Zimmerman has now escaped legal responsibility twice, they said the number of run-ins with the law he's had since, shows jurors did not have an accurate portrayal of their son's killer.
"It's just been a domino effect of all the incidents and altercations that's he's been involved with," said Martin. "That just doesn't happen overnight."
Trayvon's parents spoke to reporters on Wednesday to remind the public that even though the legal fight is over, their efforts to improve race relations and provide opportunities for young minorities has only just begun through the foundation they created in their son's name.
"Trayvon Martin was my son. Trayvon Martin was your son, and don't wait until something happens to your son or your daughter in order of you to participate. In order of you to get involved," said Fulton.
The Trayvon Foundation provides monetary stipends to the families of young people killed in senseless violence and has established scholarship funds in 20 major cities across the country for inner city youth.
"Our work has not stopped," said Fulton. "This has not halted us. This is going to make us push even harder because we have a lot of work to do."
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