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 1949) is an American activist, public speaker, and author. She is known for her work in the civil rights movement. Carr became an activist after her son, Eric Garner, died in 2014. She now works to bring about 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.
Standing Up for Justice
On July 17, 2014, Gwen Carr's son, Eric Garner, died during an arrest. A New York Police Department officer used a chokehold on him. This type of hold was not allowed by police rules.
Garner's death was filmed, and his last words were "I can't breathe." These words became very famous. They became a powerful saying for the Black Lives Matter ("BLM") movement. They also became a call against police brutality.
Carr joined the BLM movement. She became a leading voice seeking fairness after her son's death. On December 4, 2014, a grand jury decided not to charge the police officer involved. Carr was very upset and disappointed by this decision.
Her Work for Change
Before becoming an activist, Carr worked as a train operator. She worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In 2015, she stopped working to focus on the civil rights movement.
Carr often appears with Al Sharpton and the National Action Network. She attends protests and rallies. These events speak out against police brutality. They also support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Carr has spoken out against New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. In 2016, he did not support a bill that would ban police chokeholds. Carr did not vote for him in the 2017 election.
In September 2019, Carr spoke to the House Judiciary Committee. She shared her experiences about police brutality. She spoke alongside James Blake and Al Sharpton.
In May 2020, George Floyd died after a police officer choked him. His death was filmed. Just like her son, Floyd's last words were "I can't breathe." Carr quickly reached out to Floyd's family. She comforted them and told them, "Don't forget. You cannot let this go."
Carr spoke at protests in Queens, New York and Staten Island. She then went to Floyd's memorial service in Minneapolis. She also attended Floyd's funeral in Houston.
On the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Carr was in a video. The video also featured Joe Biden, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, and others.
About Gwen Carr
Carr lives in Staten Island, New York. She is a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
