Filmmaker Aaron-Stewart Ahn (Twitter) has been documenting the protest movement in New York sparked by the killing of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man, at the hands of New York police. One of the most inspiring figures at these recent protests is Erica Garner, 24, daughter of the deceased. Last night she led a march to the site where her father was killed. When she arrived, she staged a "die-in," which has become a symbol of this movement.
Protesters marching in New York City on the night of December 11, 2014. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Erica Garner, 24, daughter of Eric Garner, leading a march to the site where her father was killed by police officers. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Here are more the amazing moments Aaron captured this week, a week in which demonstrators gathered and marched each night to demand accountability for Garner's death and the abuse and killing of other black men by police.
About the film from which these still images came, Aaron says,
It's going to be about how in NYC this is not a decentralized movement but the awakening of community organizers and activists who have long served oppressed communities and come from them in union with youth movements and embracing some of the tactics of Occupy. But it is not Occupy. It is organized, and it has demands. It will cover marching over the bridge with the family of Ramarley Graham lit up by a helicopter, the demands that have been issued, a few instances of how organization is needed as documented, and will end with Erica Garner, 24 years old, becoming a protest leader herself and her tearful plea.
Erica Garner, 24, daughter of Eric Garner, leading a march in protest of police killings of black men like her father. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Erica Garner, 24, daughter of Eric Garner, leading a march in protest of police killings of black men like her father. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
December 10, 2014: Def Jam records founder, business magnate and activist Russell Simmons and hip-hop artist Common support young leadership of NY Justice League's issue of demands on the steps of New York City Hall. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Rapper Nas with emerging leaders of the protest movement. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
In a Bed-Stuy community center basement at Restoration Plaza, members of the Ferguson resistance with NYC activists planning ahead. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
On Thursday, December 4, protesters march over the Brooklyn Bridge with ThisStopsToday.org and the family of Ramarley Graham. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
On Thursday, December 4, protesters march over the Brooklyn Bridge with ThisStopsToday.org and the family of Ramarley Graham. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
And below, stills from video Aaron shot "at a recent Barclays Center Nets game attended by Royal Family. Saw a young couple buy tickets from a scalper for $580."
Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
Erica Garner, 24, daughter of Eric Garner, staging a "die-in" at the spot on the pavement where her father died at the hands of NYPD officers. The officers were not charged with any crime. Photo: Aaron-Stewart Ahn.
