No Time to Grieve

The Martin family expects to be at a major Aug. 24 gathering in Washington, D.C., to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington for jobs and justice by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Trayvon’s passing and his parents’ fight to define his legacy, oppose Stand Your Ground laws across the country and help heal others suffering from tragic, violent losses will be part of the march agenda.

Their push is for a Trayvon Martin amendment to the Florida law which allows for use of deadly force if threatened, even if an exit is possible. The killer of the Miami teen, slain returning from a walk to the store while visiting his father, did not invoke the controversial law. It was, however, included in jury instructions and appears to have contributed to the acquittal. The Trayvon amendment would prohibit initiating a conflict and then claiming Stand Your Ground as a defense. Family attorneys, who accompanied the parents and older son Jahvaris at the convention, say some state legislators in Florida want to talk about amending the law.

The family has continued to display incredible dignity in the midst of tragedy. While the pain comes through despite their stoic manner, there is no whining or claiming of victimhood.

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