Gwen Carr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gwen Carr
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Carr in 2016
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| Born | 1949 (age 75–76) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Activist Public speaker Author |
| Children | Eric Garner |
| Relatives | Erica Garner (granddaughter) |
Gwen Carr (born in 1949) is an American activist, public speaker, and author. She became well-known after her son, Eric Garner, died during an arrest. A police officer used a hold that was not allowed. Since then, Gwen Carr has worked hard for police reform in the United States. She is also a member of Mothers of the Movement and a strong voice in the Black Lives Matter movement.
Eric Garner's Death
On July 17, 2014, Gwen Carr's son, Eric Garner, died during an arrest. A New York Police Department officer used a chokehold, which is a banned way to restrain someone. Eric Garner's death was filmed. His last words, "I can't breathe," became very famous. These words became a powerful slogan for the Black Lives Matter ("BLM") movement. They also became a symbol against police brutality.
Gwen Carr joined the BLM movement. She became a leading supporter of getting justice for her son's death. On December 4, 2014, a group of citizens decided not to charge the police officer involved. Gwen Carr shared her deep disappointment and frustration about this decision.
Gwen Carr's Activism
Before becoming an activist, Gwen Carr worked as a train operator. She worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In 2015, she retired from her job. She decided to dedicate her time to the civil rights movement. Gwen Carr often appears with Al Sharpton and the National Action Network. They attend protests and rallies. These events speak out against police brutality. They also support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Gwen Carr has spoken out against New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. In 2016, he did not support a bill. This bill would have banned police officers from using chokeholds. Because of this, Gwen Carr did not vote for de Blasio in the 2017 election. She supported Hillary Clinton when Clinton ran for president in 2016.
In September 2019, Gwen Carr spoke to the House Judiciary Committee. She talked about police brutality. She testified alongside tennis player James Blake and Al Sharpton.
After the death of George Floyd in May 2020, Gwen Carr reached out to his family. George Floyd also said "I can't breathe" as his last words. Gwen Carr comforted his family. She told them, "Don't forget. You cannot let this go."
Gwen Carr spoke at protests in Queens, New York and Staten Island. She then attended George Floyd's memorial service in Minneapolis. She also went to his funeral in Houston.
On the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Gwen Carr appeared in a video. The video also featured Joe Biden, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, activist Jamira Burley, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Works by Gwen Carr
Gwen Carr has written a book and several articles. These works share her experiences and her fight for justice.
- This Stops Today: Eric Garner's Mother Seeks Justice after Losing Her Son. This book was published in 2018. ISBN: 1538109808
- "Four Years Ago The NYPD Killed My Son. I'm Still Waiting For Justice." This article appeared in BuzzFeed News in 2018.
- "I Am Eric Garner's Mother. No Justice for George Floyd Unless All Four Police Are Charged—and Convicted." This article was published in Newsweek in 2020.
- "The Nightmare Was Never Over." This article appeared in Good Morning America in 2020.
Personal Life
Gwen Carr lives in Staten Island, New York. She is a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
