2018 marks the 6th anniversary of the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was fatally shot by self-proclaimed neighborhood watchdog, George Zimmerman, while walking home from the store in February 2012.
Trayvon’s death, and the deaths of other unarmed African Americans across the United States, sparked outrage and a quest for accountability in the justice system, giving birth to the Black Lives Matter movement. Now in its 5th year, BLM, is not just a hashtag but a leading call to action.
For the first time ever on the Essence Festival Empowerment Stage, Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, BLM Co-Founder, Patrisse Cullors, and veteran journalist Toure, met for an unforgettable conversation that encouraged all to not just sit on the sidelines, but to stand up and take action in the movement.
Check out the video above to hear the conversation in full and be sure to head back to ESSENCE.com for more of all the unforgettable moments you missed at the 2018 ESSENCE Festival.