Trayvon Martin, who wanted to be a pilot, will receive an honorary aeronautics degree

When Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmerman five years ago in Sanford, Florida, many didn’t know that he had dreams of becoming a pilot. Now, that dream cut short by Zimmerman’s gun is being recognized by Florida Memorial University, who will posthumously award Martin a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science.

According to CNN, Martin’s parents will accept the degree on his behalf on May 13. Martin mother, Sabrina Fulton, is an alumnus of the historically black university in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The degree is in “honor of the steps he took during his young life toward becoming a pilot,” the school said in a Facebook post.

In February of 2012, Martin, 17, was shot and killed by Zimmerman, who was a neighborhood watch captain. After calling 9-11 to report a suspicious person in his neighborhood Zimmerman later got into an altercation with the 17-year-old. Zimmerman later claimed he shot Martin in self-defense and was acquitted in 2013.

Featured image via Sabrina Fulton

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.