Sybrina Fulton

Mother of Trayvon Martin

Sybrina Fulton

Mother of Trayvon Martin

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Biography

Sybrina Fulton has dedicated her life to transforming personal tragedy into lasting social change. Since the death of her 17-year-old son, Trayvon Martin, in 2012, Fulton has become a powerful advocate for parents, communities, and citizens across the country. Her book, co-authored with Tracy Martin, Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, shares the intimate story of her son’s life and the movement that helped awaken a nation’s conscience

The national attention surrounding Trayvon’s death and the ensuing trial ignited critical conversations about race, justice, and public safety in America. Through unimaginable loss, Fulton has emerged as a respected voice for change, channeling her grief into advocacy focused on ending violence against children and building safer, more equitable communities.

As a mother and activist, Fulton brings a deeply personal and powerful perspective to conversations around civil rights, identity, and belonging. Her work continues to inspire individuals and communities to reflect, learn, and take action toward a more just and compassionate society.

Drawing on her journey, Fulton speaks with schools, universities, organizations, and civic groups about resilience, social justice, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Through candid storytelling and lived experience, she challenges audiences to engage in meaningful conversations about race, equity, and community responsibility. Sybrina Fulton works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.

A Miami native, Fulton graduated from Florida Memorial University with a bachelor’s degree in English. She also dedicated more than 25 years of service to the Miami-Dade County Housing Development Agency. A woman of deep faith, she is an active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens.

Today, Fulton continues her work as a national speaker, advocate, and co-founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation, where she supports families affected by violence and empowers communities through education, advocacy, and outreach.

Speaker Videos

APB Celebrates 50 Years: Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin

How Could This Happen Here in America?

We Have Lost the Respect for One Another

Be the Voice for the Voiceless

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Speech Topics

We Are All Trayvon: From Pain to Purpose

What happens when one life lost becomes a call to conscience for an entire nation? Sybrina Fulton brings audiences beyond the headlines to share the story of her son, Trayvon Martin—not as a symbol, but as a young man with dreams, complexity, and a future that was taken too soon. Through deeply personal storytelling, Fulton reflects on the devastating loss of her child, the failures of systems meant to protect, and the painful realities of navigating the legal system in the aftermath. Yet her story does not end in tragedy. It is a story of transformation—of turning grief into advocacy and pain into purpose. With honesty and strength, Fulton invites audiences to reflect on justice, humanity, and the role each of us plays in shaping a more equitable society.

Audiences will learn:

The human story behind Trayvon Martin’s life and legacy.
How personal tragedy can become a catalyst for social change.
Why empathy, awareness, and action are essential in the fight for justice.

Protecting What’s Ours: The Time Is Now to Own Democracy

Democracy is not something we inherit—it’s something we protect. Sybrina Fulton brings a powerful call to action shaped by her journey from grieving mother to national advocate for justice and change. After the tragic loss of her son Trayvon, Fulton transformed unimaginable pain into purpose, building a movement through the Trayvon Martin Foundation and her work in communities across the country. Now, she challenges the next generation to recognize their power and responsibility in shaping the future. With urgency and clarity, Fulton outlines what real civic engagement looks like—from registering voters and educating communities to volunteering, organizing, and showing up at the ballot box. Addressing issues from gun violence and racial injustice to environmental protection, she leaves audiences not just inspired, but activated and ready to take ownership of democracy.

Audiences will learn:

Why civic engagement is essential to protecting and strengthening democracy
How individuals can take concrete steps to get involved and drive change
The power of collective action in addressing today’s most urgent social issues

Testimonials

“Thank you to Sybrina Fulton and APB for all you did for the Nyack NAACP’s event. Sybrina’s keynote speech was amazing, and she reminded people how important it was to stay involved in any organization that fights for the rights of people. She made it clear that people should especially stay involved in the NAACP Nyack Branch (with was beyond appreciated). The Q&A part was out of this world. It got very emotional and powerful for her and the attendees. She even got our Regional Director to share his story, which is something he has not done that often. We are so thankful and honored that we were able to have her as our speaker.”

- NAACP Nyack Branch

"Thank you once again for helping us (virtually) bring Sybrina to our campus. Our community absolutely LOVED hearing from her and I have already received phone calls from Vice Presidents of the University saying how amazing it was to hear from her. The student population here was literally in awe of her strength of character. This event actually garnered the largest attendance we’ve had at a night time event in at least 5 years."

- Central Michigan University

"On behalf of The Indianapolis Public Library, African American History Committee, we would like to thank you so much for coming and sharing your story with us. You truly are the epitome of a strong black woman and your words truly inspired and encouraged hope in so many this past weekend."

- Indianapolis Public Library

"She hit it out of the ballpark. Our employees were really moved and, I believe she inspired many to get more engaged and specifically to name racism for what it is. She was so real, so professional and really connected with the audience. After her talk and the Q & A, she graciously listened to several folks who just wanted a minute or two with her…lots of selfies, etc. People were really moved. She is remarkable."

- Port of Portland

"FANTASTIC! Over 1,400 people attended the community event the evening before, and over 500 the luncheon. Ms. Fulton was authentic, sincere, passionate and appropriate for the two different audiences. Not a dry eye either evening. We could not have been happier with her gift to this community!!"

- YWCA of Greater Portland

"Thank you so much for the Sybrina Fulton event that was held recently at UConn. It was quite a sensational event by all standards. The Student Union Ballroom was filled to capacity and the overflow rooms with live streaming were also filled. Sybrina was amazing. She was quite charming, personable and engaging. Her talk was extraordinary! She had the audience in the palm of her hand. The reception that followed was wonderful. We had long lines of people who almost all wanted a photo with her and she was so patient and so sweet. All in all, Ms. Fulton was quite a big hit! She made our 45th Anniversary an event to remember."

- African American Cultural Center, University of Connecticut

"Our campus was incredibly blessed to welcome Ms. Fulton. She was quite humbling and the epitome of incredible grace and strength. Everyone, from students to faculty members and executive administrators, was quite impressed. Thanks again for your continuing partnership with our office."

- Ohio State University