Russell Simmons Helps Trayvon Martin’s Mom on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day was a painful one for Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mom. Sunday (May 13) marked the first Mother’s Day holiday without her 17-year-old son, who was tragically killed on his way back home from a snack run in Florida in February, sparking national outrage.

Hip-hop ambassador and mogul, Russell Simmons, did what he could over the weekend to help Fulton’s cause, posting her heartfelt public service announcement video to end the senseless violence on his website, GlobalGrind.

"My friend and Trayvon Martin's mom, Sybrina Fulton, has created a powerful video. I urge you to watch it and to join folks all across America in sending a special Mother's Day message to the people that need to hear it," he wrote on the website. "Together, we can end the pain that gun violence is bringing into too many mothers' lives."

In Fulton’s emotional clip, she implores people to call their local governors to examine and perhaps reform the 25 “Stand Your Ground” type laws across the country. Florida, the state Trayvon Martin was murdered in what appears to be a racially-motivated crime, has the infamous “Stand Your Ground” law in place.

"I'm going to say a prayer for the mothers across America who share this unbearable pain," Fulton says in the clip. "Just like me, 30,000 mothers lost their children this year to senseless gun violence. Nobody can bring our babies back, but it would bring us some comfort if we can spare other mothers the pain that we feel on this Mother's Day, and every day for the rest of our lives."

Supporters of a reform on "Stand Your Ground" or "Shoot First" laws, can sign a petition on SecondChanceonShootFirst.org.

Although Simmons has led the charge in speaking up for Martin, many rappers have chimed in as well. MCs such as Plies, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Diddy and Wyclef have all been outspoken about Martin's tragic situation.—Jakinder Singh