They're the mothers of the victims and the mothers of the victims' children — all left behind to grieve, to fight as America bears witness to another black death at the hands of law enforcement. These are some of their most poignant public moments:
Quinyetta McMillon, mother of Alton Sterling's eldest child
Alton Sterling, 37, was shot and killed by police outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge, La., on July 5, 2016. An anonymous caller told police Sterling threatened someone with a gun outside the store where he was selling homemade CDs. Quinyetta McMillon appeared at a news conference Wednesday with Alton Sterling's oldest son, Cameron, by her side. He tried to support his mother, but collapsed as he wept uncontrollably. "As a mother, I am forced to raise a son who is going to remember what happened to his father. That I can't take away from him," McMillion said. "He is at an age of understanding. I hurt for him and his loss as a parent. One of the greatest fears is to see your child hurt and know there's nothing you can do."
Judy Scott, mother of Walter Scott
Walter Scott, 50, was fatally shot on April 4, 2015, after being pulled over in North Charleston, S.C., for a non-functioning brake light. A South Carolina grand jury indicted white police officer Michael Slager on a charge of murder. His trial is expected to begin in October. Judy Scott said the video of her son's death was "the most horrible thing I've ever seen. I almost couldn't look at it to see my son running defenselessly, being shot. It just tore my heart to pieces."
Gloria Darden, mother of Freddie Gray
On April 12, 2015, Freddie Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing an illegal switchblade, although prosecutors later said the knife was legal under state law. He suffered a severe spinal injury, apparently en route to the police station, and died a week later. Gloria Darden attempted suicide in October, six months after her son's death. Prosecutors filed criminal charges against the six officers involved, with separate trials for each of the accused. No officers have yet been found guilty.
Geneva Reed-Veal, mother of Sandra Bland
Sandra Bland, 28, was found dead in a jail cell in Waller County, Texas, on July 13, 2015. A medical examiner determined she hanged herself and ruled her death a suicide. Her relatives and supporters dispute the finding. Bland had been pulled over by Texas state trooper Brian Encinia for a routine traffic stop just three days prior, and was arrested following a conflict. A Texas grand jury decided not to indict anyone in her death. During a news conference in December, Bland's mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, said: "We're going to go through Christmas now and Sandy's not here. And more than that, we still have no answers as far as I'm concerned."
Lesley McSpadden, mother of Michael Brown
Michael Brown, 18, was fatally shot by a white police officer on Aug. 9, 2014. Brown was unarmed when Darren Wilson pulled up in a cruiser and told Brown and a friend not to walk in the street. An argument ensued, spilling into a physical confrontation. As the world discussed the implications of his death, his mother sat in a plush hotel room full of people, silent, stoic and staring at her phone as she awaited word from the grand jury. When the word came, attorney Benjamin Crump fielded the phone call. "The jury was not inclined to indict on any charges," he said. Lesley McSpadden screamed and sobbed.
Esaw Garner, mother of Eric Garner's children
Eric Garner, 43, died in Staten Island on July 17, 2014, after police administered a controversial choke hold. He was allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. White police officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was not indicted in Garner's death, offered his condolences to the family. Esaw Garner said she didn't accept his remorse. “The time for remorse would have been when my husband was yelling to breathe." she said. “No, I don’t accept his apology. No, I could care less about his condolences,” she continued. “He’s still working. He’s still getting a paycheck. He’s still feeding his kids, when my husband is six feet under and I’m looking for a way to feed my kids now.”
Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice
Tamir Rice, 12, was fatally shot by white rookie patrolman Timothy Loehmann in Cleveland on Nov. 22, 2014. Police said the boy pulled out a toy gun when he was shot. After news that a grand jury would not bring charges in Rice's death, his mother wept so much that she could barely speak, her lawyer said.
Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin
Trayvon Martin, 17, was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, in Sanford, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2012. Martin was walking back to a relative's home after purchasing snacks at a convenience store. Zimmerman was acquitted on all charges. Sybrina Fulton wrote a heartbreaking letter published in Time magazine to the family of Michael Brown after he was killed. "I wish I had a word of automatic comfort but I don’t. I wish I could say that it will be alright on a certain or specific day but I can’t. I wish that all of the pain that I have endured could possibly ease some of yours but it won’t. What I can do for you is what has been done for me: pray for you then share my continuing journey as you begin yours."
