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Brown, Martin Parents Attend Vigil In Miami Gardens

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) –  Michael Brown's father and  Trayvon Martin's parents attended a gospel concert in Miami Gardens Friday, put on by South Florida rapper "Flo Rida."

This was not the first meeting between the parents. They first met during Brown's funeral.

The group attended a  prayer vigil held in honor of both teens at the event.

The families of the teenagers spoke privately off stage.

Click here to watch MaryAnn Martinez's report. 

"I just tried to encourage him and let him know that God has his hands on the situation and he's going to be okay," said Trayvon Martin's father, Tracy Martin.

Michael Brown/ Ferguson Shooting
Michael Brown's father and Trayvon Martin's parents attended a gospel concert in Miami Gardens on November 28, 2014. (Source: CBS4)

Much controversy has swirled around the death of Brown , who was killed by Officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.

After weeks of looking at evidence, a grand jury in Missouri decided Monday that the deadly shooting of an un-armed black teenager by a white police officer was justified.

Wilson will not face charges.

"There's really nothing you can say. Time is going to heal the wound. But I think what we can just do it just encourage them and tell them that they'll be able to make it because it is very difficult," said Sybrina Fulton, Martin's mother.

Brown's death set off a national debate about race and justice in America.

"It seems as though Mike, junior was dug up from the grave and re-murdered again, his grave desecrated when we got hit by that blow on Monday night," said the family Pastor Carlton Lee.

Brown's father, Michael Senior, spoke through his pastor, as he was honoring an agreement not to give interviews but he was able to say one thing.

"I thank y'all for the love and support," said Michael Brown Senior.

 For the Browns, the pain from 18-year-old's Michael's death and the disappointment over the grand jury's decision is still fresh.

The Brown family is hanging its hopes on two ongoing investigations by the Justice Department into the August 9th shooting. One investigation is looking into whether Wilson should face civil rights charges. Another investigation is looking into the Ferguson Police Department's practices.

"We're not done fighting until we see justice," said Pastor Lee.

Trayvon Martin 625
Trayvon Martin (Source: Martin Family Photo)

The parents of Miami Gardens' teenager Martin have been in a similar situation.

Their teen was unarmed when he was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer.

Zimmerman was tried and ultimately found not guilty in the death of Martin.

Although Brown's and Trayvon Martin's deaths have been widely compared, Martin's mother hopes both cases create an awareness of what justice looks like in America.

"It's sad that it has to come to this, but it's definitely opening America's eyes because this is not just an African American problem. This is America's problem," said Fulton.

The Brown family said it is beneficial to  see how the Martins carry on after such a loss and national controversy.

The vigil was part of the 3rd annual Gospel Explosion Concert at the Betty Ferguson Recreation Complex located at 3000 NW 199th Street.

The concert, hosted by IMG International Music group, was conceived by "Flo Rida" and his team as a way to give back to the community and stop the youth violence. This year's concert featured Casy J, Ruth La Ontra, Sunday Best Winner Le Andria Johnson, Pastor Wess Morgan, Brian Courtney Wilson, Tye Tribbett, Jay Moss & 2103 and Destiny Child's Michelle Williams.

During the school year the rapper's foundation "Big Dreams for Kids" hosts 7,000 kids with the Florida Youth football team and cheerleaders.

Additionally, the foundation supplies back to school bags and equipment for underprivileged youth in hopes of them fulfilling their dreams. This year they are extending their hearts, thoughts and prayers to Brown's family who is dealing with their the loss.

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