A SAD DAY
Erica Garner became a social justice warrior for police reform via Black Lives Matter, and the words “I can’t breathe” became a rallying cry for an entire movement. Ms. Garner died today after spending several days in a coma according to a report on her Twitter account.
Garner suffered from apparent cardiac arrest and was hospitalized in Brooklyn a week ago according to her family members. Garner’s official Twitter account tweeted of her passing early Saturday morning:
She passed away this morning. The reports are real. We didn't deserve her.
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) December 30, 2017
“She passed away this morning. The reports are real. We didn’t deserve her.”
Erica the world loves you. I love you. I am glad you came into our lives. May you find the peace in the next life that you deserved while you were here. I will always love you my sister. love you
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) December 30, 2017
“Erica the world loves you. I love you. I am glad you came into our lives. May you find the peace in the next life that you deserved while you were here.
Esaw Snipes-Garner, Ms. Garner’s mother, earlier in the week told the New York Daily News that her daughter suffered an asthma attack which set off a chain reaction that led to the coma. Erica Garner had a heart attack back in August when she gave birth to her son, and doctors at the time found her heart enlarged.
I CAN’T BREATHE
Ms. Garner’s father, Eric Garner, gained national attention in 2014 when police attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling individual cigarettes called “loosies.” When he refused the handcuffs police knocked him to the ground, put him in a chokehold, and refused to budge.
In the video, he can be heard saying “I can’t breathe” 11 times before succumbing. He later died at the hospital.
His death was ruled a homicide by a medical examiner. However, a Grand Jury refused to indict the officer responsible for his death. The city of New York has since paid the Garner family a settlement of $5.9 million for his wrongful death.
I WILL ALWAYS MARCH
The injustice of the situation prompted Erica Garner to join in every protest against police brutality she could find. She set up a foundation in honor of her father as well.
She told NBCBLK that she would continue to fight for justice for her father and others like him. Garner said:
“People ask, ‘When will you stop marching? What do you want from marching?’ He was my father. I will always march.”
Feature Image via YouTube Video.
