The protests against police violence in the United States have been ongoing for decades, but they have gained new momentum in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As people all over the country take to the streets to demand justice and accountability for police officers who have used excessive force against Black Americans, the last words of Eric Garner continue to resonate with a haunting familiarity.
Eric Garner was a 43-year-old Black man who died at the hands of a New York City police officer in July 2014. Garner was approached by officers for selling loose cigarettes on the street, and a confrontation ensued. In a video captured by a bystander, Garner can be heard repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” as Officer Daniel Pantaleo placed him in a chokehold. Despite Garner’s pleas for help, Pantaleo continued to restrain him until Garner lost consciousness. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Garner’s tragic death sparked outrage across the country and became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement. His final words, “I can’t breathe,” have since become a symbol of the systemic racism and police brutality that plagues the criminal justice system in the United States.
As protests against police violence continue to sweep the nation, Garner’s last words have taken on a renewed significance. They serve as a reminder of the countless Black lives that have been cut short at the hands of law enforcement officers who are supposed to protect and serve their communities. They are a stark reminder of the need for systemic change within our police departments and criminal justice system.
In the years following Garner’s death, his family has been at the forefront of the fight for justice. They have tirelessly advocated for accountability for the officers involved in Garner’s killing and have pushed for reforms to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. Despite their efforts, Pantaleo was not indicted by a grand jury and was only fired from the NYPD in 2019, five years after Garner’s death.
Garner’s family continues to be a vocal presence in the fight against police violence, lending their voices to the chorus of protesters demanding justice for all victims of police brutality. They have called for a complete overhaul of policing practices, including the banning of chokeholds like the one that killed Garner and the implementation of strict accountability measures for officers who use excessive force.
As the protests rage on, Garner’s last words serve as a somber reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial justice and equality in America. They are a call to action for all who believe in the fundamental right of every person to live without fear of being targeted or harmed by those sworn to protect them. And they are a reminder that, until we address the root causes of systemic racism and police violence, the fight for justice will continue.
In the words of Gwen Carr, Garner’s mother, “We can’t stop until we get justice for all.” It is up to all of us to heed these words and continue the struggle for a more just and equitable society for all.
