Origins & Early Life

Trayvon Benjamin Martin (February 5, 1995 – February 26, 2012) was an African American from Miami Gardens, Florida, who was fatally shot in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old Hispanic-American. Martin had accompanied his father to visit his father's fiancée at her townhouse at The Retreat at Twin Lakes in Sanford. On the evening of February 26, 2012, Martin was walking back to the fiancée's house from a nearby convenience store. Zimmerman, a member of the community watch, saw Martin and reported him to the Sanford Police as suspicious.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Several minutes later, an altercation occurred and Zimmerman fatally shot Martin in the chest. Zimmerman was injured during the altercation with Martin. He said he shot Martin in self-defense, and was not charged at the time. The police said there was no evidence to refute his claim of self-defense, and Florida's stand-your-ground law prohibited them from arresting or charging him. After national media focused on the incident, Zimmerman was eventually charged and tried, but a jury acquitted him of second-degree murder and manslaughter in July 2013.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Following Martin's death, rallies, marches, and protests were held across the United States...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alexander Knox — Contemporary (Died in 1995) (1995): Esteemed Canadian actor and writer, known for dramatic roles and literary contributions.
• Brent Faiyaz — Contemporary (Born in 1995) (1995): American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer known for 'sly vocals' and atmospheric sound.
• Adam Yauch — Contemporary (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Alfred F. Young — Contemporary (Died in 2012) (2012): Pioneering American historian of the Revolution and working-class social history.
• Blue Ivy Carter — Contemporary (Born in 2012) (2012): American singer, actress, and dancer, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
• Banjo Paterson — Shared historical date (02-05 · Died) (1941): Iconic Australian bush poet, journalist, and author of 'Waltzing Matilda'
• Barrett Strong — Shared historical date (02-05 · Born) (1941): Pioneering Motown artist and songwriter, famed for 'Money (That's What I Want)'
• Arsène Houssaye — Shared historical date (02-26 · Died) (1896): French novelist, poet, and man of letters, active from the 1830s to the 1890s.
• Carl Menger — Shared historical date (02-26 · Died) (1921): Founder of the Austrian School of Economics and proponent of subjective value theory.
• 1995 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1995
• February 5 (02-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 5
• 2012 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2012
• February 26 (02-26) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 26