MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) — Trayvon Martin was awarded a posthumous Bachelor’s Degree in aviation five years after he was fatally shot in central Florida.
Martin’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, accepted a degree in Aeronautical Science on his behalf during a graduation ceremony at Florida Memorial University on Saturday. In a statement, the university said it was honoring the steps the 17-year-old took toward becoming a pilot before his death.
“Because your son has come to mean so much to so many, his story has resonated across the nation. Because as Dr. Martin Luther King once said, ‘Truth crushed to earth will rise again,’” said the school’s Vice President & Provost, Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital. “While we cannot restore the loss you have suffered, please accept this small token as a monument that Trayvon is loved and that his life matters to us.”
“To say that we’re thankful is an understatement,” said Tracy Martin. “I think this shows what this community, how they feel, how they believe in our family, believe in our foundation, how we’ve worked together, it was a heartfelt moment when they called Trayvon’s name to accept the degree for him, it was very touching. This was a day that we planned for as parents, we just wish that we would have watched him walk across the stage.”
I’m just now seeing this and I couldn’t be more happy for Trayvon and his parents. I will always be a Trayvon Martin Warrior! I stand in solidarity with Sybrina Fulton, Tracy Martin and his siblings Takira Martin, Demetrius Martin, Jahavaris Fulton for all that you have done to keep Trayvon Martin’s name alive. Love y’all. SMoKeeGyRL in Aurora CO
Hi, SMoKeeGyRL. It’s been a long time. Nice to see you. I’m happy for Trayvon’s parents too. It made me emotional. Sybrina looked as if she was in tears and the dad was choking back tears. The Country loves Trayvon. #BlackLivesMatter started because of him.
SG2, I just got back from walking my dog and I had stopped to talk to a neighbor who I hadn’t seen for a long time. She was telling me about her two grandsons (who are also neighbors). The oldest boy is finishing community college and will be going to ASU next year. He wants a career in aviation and is considering joining the Air Force after college.
These folks are white so there was never any danger that his dreams wouldn’t be realized because he would be murdered by a racist sociopath before he finished high school. When my neighbor was talking about him I kept thinking of Trayvon.
I don’t think it’s asking for a whole lot that your children should be able to grow up and go to school and do what they are capable of doing. White folks take this for granted.
So wonderful and deeply moving!