It's hard to imagine how hard today is going to be for Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton. I don't know that I could be as strong as she has been through this whole ordeal, but good for her to turn this personal tragedy into something for the greater good.
Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Florida shooting victim Trayvon Martin, released a video asking parents nationwide to support the Second Chance on Shoot First campaign, a new national partnership working to reform, repeal and prevent passage of new Florida-style "Shoot First" laws around the country.
The campaign launched after Martin's death with the support of prominent civil rights leaders, law enforcement officials and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to oppose reckless Shoot First laws that are on the books of 26 states and pending in 10 more.
In the video, which debuted this morning on Russell Simmons' GlobalGrind.com , Ms. Fulton asks parents to join her in sending an electronic Mother's Day card to state governors, urging them to re-examine these dangerous laws.
Simmons introduced the video with the following email to millions of supporters:
"As Mother's Day approaches, my friend and Trayvon Martin's mom, Sybrina Fulton, has created a powerful video. I urge you to watch it and to join folks all across America in sending a special Mother's Day message to the people who most need to hear it. Together, we can end the pain that gun violence is bringing into too many mothers' lives."
In the video, Ms. Fulton asks Americans to join the Second Chance on Shoot First campaign to persuade policymakers to rethink reckless gun laws and prevent future tragedies
These laws are an excuse for mindless vigilantism and hate crimes. They're inconsistently applied. And no one should have to go through a Mother's Day grieving for their lost son. If you would like to add your name to the Second Chance petition, click here.
