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For Sybrina Fulton, mother of slain Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, her sons death was a wake-up call.

People herself included arent acting quickly enough to address social issues, she said Tuesday.

Fulton addressed a crowd of about 65 people at the third annual Women of Wisdom Luncheon, part of the 111th Annual Session of the National Baptist Congress.

I waited until my son was shot down before I stood up, she said at the event at the Caribe Royal Orlando Convention Center.

Describing herself as motivated and upbeat, Fulton discussed her passion for social justice and how her spirituality helped her cope with Trayvons death.

Trayvon was 17 when neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman fatally shot him in February 2012. In July 2013, Zimmerman was acquitted of murder at trial.

On Tuesday, Fulton talked about the Black Lives Matter movement, which arose out of her sons death, and the importance of being politically engaged, telling attendees they needed to do a lot more than just like a page on social media.

Were in dire distress. We cant afford not to do anything. Weve come too far to turn back now, she said. You have to be very careful what side of history youre on.

Fulton also criticized current approaches to addressing violence, saying activists needed to be more realistic.

According to her, rallies and gun buyback programs dont effectively address the issue criminals wont voluntarily hand over their firearms in exchange for a Walmart giftcard. Instead, she said, ex-felons should reach out to people currently engaged in criminal activity.

Though at times seemingly critical of American society and even the White House, Fulton was optimistic about the future.

I see that the country is starting to unite. We are standing with each other, were trying to make a difference, were trying to make [a] positive impact, she said. We have to know that a brighter day is coming.

Fulton also promoted her new book, Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, which she co-authored with her ex-husband, Tracy Martin. Fulton described the process of recording her story as extremely difficult.

She said she is unapologetic for her grief over the loss of a son whom she said loved babies and was friends with everyone. Though she has difficulty visiting Sanford, where Trayvon was killed, and sometimes blames Tracy Martin for taking him there, Fulton said her faith in God helped her through the experience.

I would never have picked this particular life out for myself, Fulton said. I just try to live everyday as if I have hope for another day.

acheatham@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5020

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Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, urges audience to take action - Orlando Sentinel