A woman from Waukegan, Illinois, is hoping to make money from a phrase that has symbolized police brutality against unarmed Black men. According to the Smoking Gun, Catherine Crump, 57, registered the phrase with the United States Patent and Trademark office.
Crump lives in Waukegan, Illinois and doesn’t have any relationship with Eric Garner or his family.”I can’t breathe” was the last words uttered by Garner before he was choked to death by a New York police officer. The officer who killed Garner, Daniel Pantaleo, was not indicted on murder charges.
After the announcement of the failed indictment, millions across the nation protested the decision by marching and chaining, “I can’t breathe.” The phrase was soon out on T-shirts and athletes such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose and others wore the shirts before games. During the red carpet screening of Selma, Oprah Winfrey and the entire cast wore shirts with the phrase to stand up against racism and police brutality.
Crump claims that her intent was not to make money. However, she has registered the phrase for the purpose to use on hoodies and T-shirts for men, women and children.
At press time, Garner’s family has yet to respond regarding the matter.
