The resolution also seeks an end to racial profiling.
On Feb. 5, Trayvon Martin would have turned 18. Instead of being a cause for celebration, it was a harsh reminder of a tragic milestone.
In honor of the teen who was shot to death nearly a year ago, Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson on Tuesday introduced a congressional resolution honoring him. It also calls for the repeal of Stand Your Ground laws and asks the U.S. government to address racial profiling.
"We all know the circumstances surrounding his murder: Trayvon was racially profiled, chased, made to fight for his life and ultimately murdered. Yet we as a nation have yet to take substantive action to stop such a heartbreaking incident from happening again," Wilson said in a statement. "Enough is enough. We as a nation have buried too many young Black boys. Let's set Congress on course to address the underlying causes behind the crisis that Trayvon's death symbolizes. Let's take action to stop racial profiling and give our people a chance to succeed."
On Tuesday, a judge denied a request by defendant George Zimmerman to delay the trial for five months. Zimmerman's lawyer said more time was needed to raise money and lay the groundwork for the trial, but Judge Debra Nelson said that the issues were not insurmountable.
The trial is set to begin in June.
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(Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
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