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Trayvon Martin's father rallies for peace in hometown East St. Louis

Joseph Leahy/St. Louis Public Radio

Trayvon Martin's father returned to his hometown of East St. Louis Friday to honor the memory of his son and spread the message of peace.

Several hundred community members congregated at North End Missionary Baptist Church to hear Tracy Martin and Trayvon's mother, Sybrina Fulton, talk about ways to end gun violence.

Tracy Martin says many things have changed since he graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 1986.

"We used to be able to play in the streets," he said. "Now our kids can't even go in the streets. Trayvon thought it was safe to walk outside. And this is not just a black community thing; it's all over in our communities because Trayvon -- he thought he was safe."

Trayvon Martin was unarmed when he was shot and killed in Florida last February by a neighborhood watchman. East St. Louis has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country.