A new memorial was dedicated Saturday not only for Trayvon Martin, but for 10 other people who were killed in Sanford.
Families of the victims used the occasion to share their stories and speak out for closure and justice.
The new Trayvon Martin Memorial was established at the Goldsboro Welcome Center on Historic Goldsboro Boulevard in Sanford.
It features Trayvon Martin’s name on a headstone and 10 other Sanford area residents who family members say were killed unjustly.
- Kimberly Walker
- Pernecia Jones
- Anthony Mark Pearson
- Andre Williams
- Corey Donaldson
- Danny Lawson
- Brian Robinson
- Dominique Stafford
- Travares McGill
- Keith Jones West
“We’re of the opinion that people know who were involved in these particular situations and just need to come forward,” said Sanford City Commissioner Velma Williams.
Corey Donaldson is one of the names memorialized.
His father, Pastor Alvin Donaldson, said before any family can seek closure and justice, they must forgive.
“The key to all of this is to have forgiveness. That’s hard for some people to swallow, especially after losing a loved one, somebody that dear to you, like my youngest son,” he said.
The memorial was paid for and built by volunteers who wanted a proper memorial to remember local families seeking justice. Community members say neighbors hold the key to solving these cases by speaking up.
“Knowing that we can trust our community, police, law enforcement, judges, our community in general. We have to have some trust within that or otherwise, we’re going to have the same community incidents happening over and over again, so that’s what we want to band together for,” said Vince Taylor with the Florida Civil Rights Association.
Organizers hope the memorial will lead to another step of healing for the Sanford community.