A Birthday & An Anniversary

This week on February 5th we marked the birthday of a young person taken too soon, as well as the anniversary of a life-changing policy.

On what would have been Trayvon Martin’s 30th birthday, we honor his memory and recognize the profound impact his life and tragic death had on the movement for racial justice and equity. His story remains a painful reminder of the urgent need to confront racial profiling and systemic injustice. In his memory, we recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equity, safety, and dignity for Black youth and communities affected by discrimination. We must continue to speak truth to power and demand justice and work toward a future where all young Black people can live free from fear.

Two years before Trayvon Martin was born, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The passage of FMLA was a milestone in protecting workers and families, but true justice extends beyond workplace protections.

The United States struggles with an epidemic of gun violence and a continuing history of racist police and vigilante violence. Families and communities impacted by gun violence, including individuals surviving domestic violence, individuals who are exposed to violence, deserve the chance to have FMLA that goes further. Paid Sick and Safe Days, as well as Paid Family and Medical Leave, are paid time to care that help workers take the time they need for themselves and loved ones, keeping households and communities healthy and safe.

Everyone—no matter where they work, where they live, or who they love—deserves to be able to take time away from work to heal their hearts, minds and bodies, and to care for loved ones without risking their jobs and their livelihoods. This is a part of our vision of an economy and society where everyone can thrive.

Paid leave and paid sick and safe days policies are economic, racial, and reproductive justice. They are part of FV@W’s collective vision that will ensure that every young Black or marginalized person, like Trayvon, has the opportunity to live, thrive, and to be safe. As we reflect on these overlapping milestones—a birthday and an anniversary—we renew our commitment to equity, dignity, and policies that protect and uplift all families, especially those disproportionately impacted by systemic injustice.