This Stops Today

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What to expect

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 choke hold 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 has 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.

Critics Review

  • “From the title to the final page, Gwen’s book is a powerful call to action for our country. It’s also a deeply personal story any parent can relate to—the story of a proud and loving mother determined to fight for her son. It can be a daunting challenge to pour your heart onto the page, to write candidly and courageously about things you may never even have spoken out loud. Knowing Gwen is a gift, and so is reading this book.”

    Hillary Rodham Clinton

  • “Mrs. Carr’s incredible strength in the face of tragedy is monumental and awe inspiring. Though there are dark days, she continues to fight for the rights of victims everywhere. She was thrust into action because she had to; she did it for Eric. The fight for justice continues.”

    Viola Davis, Academy Award–nominated actress, and Julius Tennon, actor and husband of Viola Davis

  • “An advocate of better police training and community engagement, Carr acknowledges the problem remains daunting. This is a sincere and passionate account.”

    Publishers Weekly

  • “Will interest anyone concerned with social justice and racial disparities in our legal system.”

    Library Journal

  • “Carr provides an inside look at a life forever changed by police violence and sorrow turned into a force for social good.”

    Booklist

  • “A heartfelt book from a mother who ‘will keep on talking and telling my story as long as people will listen.’”

    Kirkus Reviews

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