Eric Garner’s final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and a powerful symbol of the fight against police violence. Garner, a 43-year-old Black man, died on July 17, 2014, in Staten Island, New York, after being placed in a chokehold by a white police officer during an arrest for selling untaxed cigarettes. The incident was caught on video and sparked outrage across the nation.
Garner’s death was a tragic and senseless loss, but it also served as a catalyst for a larger conversation about systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. The Black Lives Matter movement, which had been founded in response to the acquittal of the man who killed Trayvon Martin in 2013, gained momentum in the wake of Garner’s death. Activists took to the streets to protest police violence against Black people and demand accountability for those responsible.
One of the lasting legacies of Eric Garner’s death is the widespread use of his final words, “I can’t breathe,” as a slogan for the Black Lives Matter movement. The phrase has been chanted at protests, printed on signs and t-shirts, and used as a hashtag on social media to raise awareness about police violence and racial injustice. It has become a powerful reminder of the need for change and a call to action for those who believe in justice and equality.
Garner’s legacy also lives on through the efforts of his family to seek justice for his death. Despite the fact that the officer responsible for Garner’s death was not indicted by a grand jury, his family has continued to push for accountability and reform within the criminal justice system. In 2019, the Department of Justice announced that it would not file federal charges against the officer, but his family has not given up hope for justice.
In the years since Eric Garner’s death, the Black Lives Matter movement has only grown stronger, with protests and demonstrations continuing to shine a spotlight on police violence and discrimination against Black people. The movement has led to some changes, such as the passage of laws banning chokeholds and other forms of excessive force in some states, but there is still much work to be done to address the root causes of systemic racism and build a more just and equitable society.
As we reflect on the legacy of Eric Garner and the impact of his death on the fight against police violence, we must recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. We must continue to speak out against racism and discrimination in all its forms, and work together to create a more just and inclusive society for all. Eric Garner’s final words may have been a cry for help, but they have become a rallying cry for change. It is up to all of us to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten and that his death was not in vain.
