A Florida university will honor Trayvon Martin with a posthumous Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation at a May 13 commencement ceremony. The degree will be accepted by his parents, Tracy Martin and Sabrina Fulton.
Seventeen-year-old Martin was killed in February of 2012 by former neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, who is Hispanic, in self-defense. After a long, racially-charged public debate and court trial, Zimmerman was completely exonerated in July of 2013.
Florida Memorial University officially announced the posthumous degree via Facebook on Wednesday.
“The University will confer upon TRAYVON MARTIN a posthumous degree in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Flight Education, in honor of the steps he took during his young life toward becoming a pilot,” says the Facebook post. “This particular Bachelor’s degree is designated for those studying to be pilots. Martin’s parents, both social justice activists and co-founders of The Trayvon Martin Foundation … will accept the degree on behalf of their son.”
“Of special significance is awarding posthumously the Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation to Trayvon Martin. Sybrina, our alum, epitomizes strength and dignity as she uplifts other victims of violence while effecting change for a more equal and just society,” said Florida Memorial University President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.
Additionally, the school will host a post-commencement fundraiser which will partly support The Trayvon Martin Foundation.