Can’t Breathe — Black Lives Matter

The phrase “I can’t breathe” has become a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, after the death of Eric Garner by the hands of the police on July 17, 2014. The phrase can be heard on the video that was captured on the scene that showed Garner restrained by multiple officers while saying “I can’t breathe” 11 times before losing consciousness and dying in police custody.

The phrase echoes the systemic racism and police brutality that black Americans face every day. “I can’t breathe” also symbolizes the everyday struggles of black Americans to simply survive in a society that doesn’t value their lives. The phrase has become a powerful rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and a call to action for who seek to overcome systemic oppression.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why “I can’t breathe” matters for the Black Lives Matter movement and what it represents for black Americans across the country.

Systemic racism is a pervasive problem in America that takes the breath away from black Americans every day. Discrimination in housing, education, employment, and health care all contribute to the inequality that black Americans face. This inequality has serious consequences: black Americans are more likely to live in poverty, be unemployed, and have shorter life expectancy rates than white Americans. Systemic racism is a problem that needs to be addressed in order to create a more just and equitable society. “I can’t breathe” is a call to action for those who seek justice, and it is sparking change across the country. Until black lives are valued in America, “I can’t breathe” will continue to matter.

“I can’t breathe” is sparking change across the country. The phrase has been used at protests and rallies calling for an end to police brutality and systemic racism. It has also been used to raise awareness about the everyday struggles of black Americans. The phrase is resonating with people across the country and is helping to spark a movement for change.