Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, will speak to the Colorado State University and Fort Collins communities  at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the LSC Grand Ballroom as part of Black History Month. The event is hosted by CSU’s Black/African American Cultural Center and RamEvents.

Since the death of her 17-year-old son in 2012, Fulton has dedicated her life to transforming family tragedy into social change. The publicity surrounding Martin’s death and the ensuing trial catapulted the country into national debate about racial profiling, gun violence and civil advocacy.

Fulton’s speech will focus on violence toward children, the need to build safer communities, civil rights, and empowering America’s youth.

“In response to the Black History Month 2015 theme, ‘a pledge to our youth,’ students want to learn how Ms. Fulton was able to transform such tragedy into social change,” said Bridgette Johnson, director of the Black/African American Cultural Center. “They want to know, when they are faced with adversity, how to move forward. In turn, they want to carry the message forward as an empowering message to our youth.”

Tickets are free for CSU community members and $5 for the general public.