"Black Americans — all Americans — need a leader with a record that speaks for itself. And to me, it’s clear. Of all the presidential candidates, Sen. Bernie Sanders is our strongest ally," Garner said. | AP Photo Sanders endorsed by daughter of Eric Garner

The eldest daughter of Eric Garner endorsed Bernie Sanders for president on Friday.

"Who will address the criminalization of our people? Who understands that we’re experiencing an economic crisis made worse by structural barriers to jobs and education? Who will bring us closer to real safety, freedom and power? Who has clearly shown us where they stand?" wrote Erica Garner in The Washington Post.


Garner's father died in July 2014 after being put in a chokehold by a New York City Police Department officer, as he was being arrested for allegedly selling loose cigarettes.

The answer, Garner continued, is Sanders, "who started this work well before campaign season, who understands our deaths as tragedies — not political talking points — and someone who will speak out against the wars being waged against our communities. Not someone who only pays attention to our concerns when it’s time to collect our votes. Not someone who gives us bread crumbs and expects us to be full."

"Black Americans — all Americans — need a leader with a record that speaks for itself. And to me, it’s clear. Of all the presidential candidates, Sen. Bernie Sanders is our strongest ally," Garner continued.

Referring to the moment last summer in Seattle when Black Lives Matter protesters interrupted Sanders, Garner wrote that the Vermont senator "heard us, and I believe he'll continue to listen."

"I remember another candidate who dared me to believe in hope and change," she said, alluding to Barack Obama's 2008 candidacy. "His opponents said he wasn’t ready for leadership. They said he couldn’t win. He said, 'Yes, we can.' And we did. I still believe we can. That’s why I endorse Bernie Sanders for president."

Eric Garner's mother, Gwen Carr, endorsed Hillary Clinton earlier this month.

"Hillary seems to be the only candidate right now who’s talking about how we can be strategic in trying to solve this problem. That’s why I’m endorsing her for president," Carr said in a statement released by the campaign on Jan. 21.