Watch CBS News

Tracy Martin Speaks To New Congressional Caucus

WASHINGTON (CBSMiami) – Tracy Martin, the father of the late Trayvon Martin, was on Capitol Hill Wednesday for the inaugural hearing of the Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys.

Martin gave opening remarks at the hearing which was entitled, "The Status of Black Males: Ensuring Our Boys Mature into Strong Men."

"I always say Trayvon was my hero. He saved my life. Not to be there in his time of need is real troublesome, not to be able to save my son's life," Tracy Martin said.

The trip to Washington was the first for Martin since a Florida jury found George Zimmerman not guilty for the murder of Trayvon.

Trayvon Martin was shot to death by Zimmerman in a Sanford neighborhood last year. Zimmerman claimed self-defense after following Martin through the neighborhood and confronting him.

Tracy Martin spoke to Congressional Democrats on the House judiciary panel last year on racial profiling and hate crimes, according to theHill.com.

The Department of Justice said it is investigating the Zimmerman case to see if any civil rights laws were violated. However, legal experts don't believe any federal charges will be brought against Zimmerman in the wake of the Florida jury's verdict.

Still, Tracy Martin said he will continue to fight for kids across the country.

"I vow to do everything in my power not to give up the fight for him, not only the fight for Trayvon but for so many other young black and brown boys in this country," he said.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.