Press Releases

Miami, FL — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) introduced a resolution honoring the life of Trayvon Martin, urging the repeal of Stand Your Ground laws, and calling on the United States government to address the racial profiling crisis. Congresswoman Wilson released the following statement:

"Today, Trayvon Martin would have celebrated his 20th birthday.

"On February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, an African-American youth, was horrifically shot and killed while walking home in Sanford, Florida, because he was viewed as a threat.

"I encourage states to create penalties for individuals found to have caused substantive harm through racial profiling. I also urge the United States Commission on Civil Rights to elevate the social status of Black men and boys and address the underlying causes of higher rates of school expulsions and suspensions, homicides, incarcerations, poverty, violence, drug abuse, as well as income, health, and educational disparities among Black males," said Congresswoman Wilson.

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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.