Biography:
Gwen Carr (born 1949) is an American activist, public speaker, and author. She is known for her tireless advocacy in the fight against police brutality and for justice in the United States. Carr’s life changed forever on July 17, 2014, when her son, Eric Garner, was killed by a New York Police Department officer during an arrest.
Born in 1949, Gwen Carr grew up in New York City. Before becoming an activist, Carr had a career working for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as a dedicated train operator. However, her life took an abrupt turn when her son, Eric Garner, was tragically killed by a police officer using a prohibited chokehold.
Eric Garner’s death was filmed, and his final words, I can’t breathe, became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and a stark reminder of police brutality in America. Devastated by the loss of her son, Gwen Carr decided to channel her grief into activism, becoming a leading voice in the fight for police reform.
Carr joined the Black Lives Matter movement and became a member of the Mothers of the Movement, a group of mothers who have lost their children to police violence. She tirelessly advocates for justice for her son and others who have suffered similar fates, using her platform to raise awareness and fight for systemic change.
She has made numerous appearances alongside civil rights activist Al Sharpton and the National Action Network at protests and rallies, demanding an end to police brutality and racial injustice. Carr is also a vocal critic of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who opposed a bill to ban chokeholds by police officers.
In 2019, Carr testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee, sharing her personal experiences and urging lawmakers to take action against police brutality. Her impassioned testimony, along with that of other activists, helped to shine a spotlight on the urgent need for reform.
After the horrific murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Carr reached out to Floyd’s family to offer support and guidance, having experienced the pain of losing a loved one to police violence. She attended protests in New York and traveled to Minneapolis and Houston to speak at memorial services and funerals for Floyd.
Gwen Carr’s commitment to fighting for justice is evident in her book, This Stops Today: Eric Garner’s Mother Seeks Justice After Losing Her Son, published in 2018. In it, she recounts her personal journey and calls for an end to police violence and the unjust targeting of Black communities.
Through her activism, Gwen Carr has become an influential figure in the ongoing struggle for police reform and racial equality. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering determination have inspired countless individuals, making her a vital voice in the fight for justice.