MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Family members of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown Jr., two black teenagers killed in separate shootings that sparked protests and accusations of racism, found comfort in each other's company in a South Florida vigil.
The event Friday in Miami Gardens brought together Martin's parents — Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin — with Brown's father, Michael Brown Sr.
Martin told Miami television station WFOR he aimed to bring hope to Brown.
"I just tried to encourage him and let him know that God has his hands on the situation, and he's gonna be OK," he said.
Fulton said, "There's really nothing you can say. Time is going to heal the wound. But I think what we can just do it just encourage them and tell them that they'll be able to make it because it is very difficult."
Trayvon Martin was killed in 2012 by a neighborhood watch volunteer. Michael Brown was killed by a police officer in August.
The man who shot Martin, George Zimmerman, was found innocent of any crime in connection with the killing. A grand jury did not indict the officer who shot Brown.
The rapper Flo Rida has hosted the Gospel Explosion Concert annually for three years to give back to the community that gave him his start. The vigil was added to pay tribute to the two young men.
Martin grew up nearby where the event was held.
© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.