Eric Garner would have turned 55 years old today. Instead, his name remains etched into the nation’s memory as a symbol of the fight against police brutality and racial injustice.
Garner, a Staten Island native, tragically lost his life on July 17, 2014, after being placed in a chokehold by NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo during an arrest for allegedly selling loose cigarettes. His final words, “I can’t breathe,” were captured on video and echoed across the globe, becoming a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and protests demanding accountability and reform.
Though nearly eleven years have passed since his death, Garner’s impact continues to shape conversations around police use of force, systemic racism, and the urgent need for change within law enforcement. His family, including his mother Gwen Carr and his late daughter Erica Garner, have carried his legacy forward with unwavering activism. Their work has amplified his voice beyond tragedy, ensuring that his story fuels the pursuit of justice for countless others.
Eric Garner was more than a headline. He was a father of six, a grandfather, a friend, and a man known in his community for his kindness and presence. On what would have been his 55th birthday, we remember not only the injustice that cut his life short, but also the humanity and love that defined who he was.
As the world continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality, Garner’s story remains a reminder that the fight is far from over. Today, we honor his life, his legacy, and the movement sparked by his final words that continue to demand change.