This Stops Today: Eric Garner's Mother Seeks Justice after Losing Her Son

by Gwen Carr, Dave Smitherman (With)

After the death of her son, Eric Garner, at the hands of New York City police officers on Staten Island went viral, Gwen Carr’s life changed forever. The illegal chokehold that took Garner’s life has been seared into the public consciousness forever as the large black man struggled to breathe while a white policeman held him down on a hot concrete sidewalk. His death set the tone for a new normal where young black men and women now automatically document police interactions with their cell phones for fear of brutality and even death. As one of the Mothers of the Movement, Gwen Carr, a retired transit train operator, now dedicates her time to fighting for racial equality, especially the way law enforcement treats blacks in the United States.

In This Stops Today, Carr shares the tragedies she’s faced, recalls her son’s life and death, and recounts her newfound role as an activist in the fight for racial equality. More than the story of a single moment, her book recounts a life of family, community, and of a woman who now speaks for those who no longer can. She has to do it for her firstborn. She has to do it for Eric.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, Race, True Crime, Politics

232 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2018

Reviews

[Kalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book--part memoir, part prescriptive. Interesting stories about Carr's son, Eric, and other children plus her experiences working with Al Sharpton's National Action Network, Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, and Mothers of the Movement.

The last chapter is tips for activists (even accidental ones like Carr), a letter to Eric, and a letter to her parents. Carr's pain is clear but how she has channeled that into making sure no one forgets Eric Garner and how he was murdered is important reading.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mother of police brutality victim Eric Garner shares her reflections on her own life, her son's legacy, and the process of becoming an activist. Ms. Carr is down-to-earth and honest; I found myself enjoying her moments of humor. Yes there were definitely tearful moments, too.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having a child is forever deciding to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

There's nothing I can do and it hurts to even try.

[Shelly Ibok · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has caused me to reevaluate how I’m expressing my views on the many racial and political issues facing our country!

[Danica is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This one has been in my to-read list for awhile. I’m glad I finally got to it.

Informative and poignant. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Eric Gardner’s mother and her advocacy.

[behsforensics]

2020 NSDA DI Finalist