Source: WENN, Boston Globe

The parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin are offering condolences and prayers to the parents of 8-year-old Martin Richard, the little boy who was tragically killed in Boston Marathon tragedy, reports Global Grind. In addition to losing their sons through senseless acts of violence, Trayvon’s parents and the Richards are tied together in a way that many don’t know about. Following the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon, Martin’s teacher spoke to his class about the unfortunate tragedy. The lesson prompted little Martin to create a sign (pictured above) that reads:

“No more hurting people. Peace.”

Touched by Martin’s gesture, Tracy Martin and Sabrina Fulton issued this statement to his grieving parents.

“Our hearts are broken over the tragedy in Boston yesterday. Our family sends our sincerest condolences to all of those who have been affected by this terrible situation.  We especially would like to send a message to the family of eight year old, Martin Richard.  We have come to understand that the peace sign that Martin is holding in a photo being circulated throughout the media, was created in response to a lesson by his teacher about the death of our son and the issue of violence. From our family to yours’, we are praying for you, thinking about you and will remember your son for the rest of our lives.

~Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin”

It’s unfortunate that these families have to come together under such tragic circumstances, but it’s touching to see that Tracy Martin and Sabrina Fulton are able to find the strength to console other grieving families.

Dr. Phil might be taking a few pointers from his boss when it comes to exclusive interviews. Earlier this week, the daytime talk show host spoke with friends of George Zimmerman, the man currently awaiting trial for the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, and today Dr. Phil will talk to the parents of the teen many feel was killed in cold blood, Sabrina Fulton and Tracy Martin.

The interview is beyond emotional as the parents relay their memories of their son, and more tragically, relive the moment they found out their son had been killed and how they’ve handled his vilification in contrast with the support George Zimmerman has received from some. At one point in the discussion, Sabrina told Dr. Phil:

 “Trayvon was my baby. It almost feels like I’m missing an arm. I actually think I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown, but I pray every day that God strengthens me and continues to help me move on, because I cannot think of anything worse that could possibly happen to me, besides one of my boys being murdered.”

Dr Phil provides words of comfort for the nearly inconsolable parents, telling them they have to let go of regrets. He told Sabrina:

“You’re going to hurt. That pain is normal, but you’re not going to have a nervous breakdown. I see too much depth in your soul.”

As for Tracy, Dr. Phil reminded him:

“You’ve got to forgive yourself. Recognize the fact that your job as a father — our jobs as fathers — is to be providers, protectors, teachers and leaders. You did all of those things.”

Check out a few clips of the show which airs today. What do you think?

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Source: tweetbuzz.us

Following in the footsteps of Sybrina Fulton and her touching Mother’s Day PSA about Trayvon Martin and the problems with the “Stand Your Ground” law, Tracy Martin has put out his own PSA about his son, his first Father’s Day without Trayvon, and the need to combat “Stand Your Ground” laws and help prevent a Father’s Day where 30,000 fathers will be without their sons. Those were the statistics presented for the number of sons and daughters slain through gun violence just last year alone.

The video is one that tugs at the heart strings, especially when images of Trayvon and Tracy are presented (especially the one where Tracy is kissing his son on the cheek).The main point of the video seems to be that it’s important for people to contact their governors and ask them to re-examine the “Stand Your Ground” laws that stand across the country. There are about 25 in all. If you know anybody who has been killed by senseless acts of violence involving firearms, I’m sure you can understand Tracy’s pain, and can feel him when he says, “Life can be beautiful.” To help do your part, go to SecondChanceOnShootFirst.org to gain more information on the many reckless gun laws and what you can do to help put a halt to them. Until then, check out the video below and let us know your thoughts. Happy Father’s Day Mr. Martin.

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Source: Deseretnews.com

Yesterday, Trayvon Martin’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, refused to meet with George Zimmerman privately as the neighborhood watchman arrested for killing their son had requested. At a press conference in Tampa, FL, the parent’s lawyer, Benjamin Crump said that the night before the shooter could possibly be granted bond, was “not the time” for Zimmerman to speak with them and he doesn’t expect that conversation to happen in the foreseeable future:

“Some crimes on their face are non-bondable offense. Second-degree murder is one of them,” Crump said. “We didn’t just demand an arrest to have George Zimmerman give the police his fingerprints and his mug shot.”

There’s no telling how the family feels now after a hearing this morning granted Zimmerman a $150,000 bail in connection with his second-degree murder charge. According to The New York Times:

“Judge Kenneth R. Lester Jr., said that Mr. Zimmerman could have no contact with Mr. Martin’s family and no access to alcohol or firearms and that his movements would be monitored electronically. Judge Lester also set a curfew that would require Mr. Zimmerman to remain at home from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. and require him to check in with the authorities every three days”

Zimmerman will not be released from jail until the proper security measures are put in place since the shooter has received death threats and his family members testified that they would assume responsibility for his whereabouts when he is released from jail. Trayvon’s parents didn’t show much emotion in court and left shortly before the hearing ended. Zimmerman apparently didn’t have much reaction to the news either and he offered this apology to Trayvon’s parents early in the hearing:

“I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am. I did not know if he was armed or not.”

Whether Trayvon was 17 or 27 doesn’t justify the killing.

What do you think about Zimmerman’s bail?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Source: Global Grind Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)

We’ve all criticized BET for their less than stellar programming and decisions; but when they get it right, we have to give props. And yesterday BET did a great thing by transforming their hit show, “106 & Park”  into an hour long special with Trayvon’s parents, Sybrina Fulton, Tracy Martin and Trayvon’s younger brother, Jahvaris Fulton.

Being that “106 & Park” speaks directly to young people– it was actually a favorite of Trayvon’s– it’s only appropriate that his parents speak to their son’s peer group. They sat down with BET’s newest talent, T.J. Holmes, to offer advice to the young audience members, share memories of their son and their hopes for the upcoming trial.

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