How Can I Make a Change?

 Darrien Brown


As I explained in my previous blog post, crime is a very disturbing issue in America, especially gun violence in the black community. Gun violence has caused a lot of pain and problems for people and families all over the country and as time goes on, I feel as people are becoming okay with it or expectant of it unfortunately. An article from Gifford’s Law Center states, “ In 2022, one in every 67 Black men ages 18 to 24 in Philadelphia were killed or injured in gun homicides or shootings. In Rochester, New York, it was one in 50 young Black men. In Cincinnati, it was one in 44 young Black men” (Nguyen). Looking at these numbers just imagine being at a family reunion and knowing that by the time everybody leaves, 1 or 2 people you know will be dead due to the absurd gun violence. Giffords Law Center provides another fact that says, “Black Americans die from gun violence at 2.6 times the rate of white Americans. On average, nearly 12,700 Black people die from gun violence each year. In 2021 alone, 15,290 Black people were killed by gun violence—the highest number on record” (Nguyen). These numbers are ridiculous to see on paper but it is the sad truth of what is going on in our own communities and all over America. While there are no gun-related ballots this fall, there are still plenty of ways to help crack down on this issue even though it may seem impossible. Everything starts in the home. I think education and giving the youth awareness is a place to start. Kids grow up doing everything they see and if there are no adult role models telling them the right thing, what else are they supposed to do or think? I believe community engagement could help as well. Giving not only kids but everybody in a community a good feeling of home and friendship could be a way to help stop petty and senseless killing. Educating people about the effects of gun violence and teaching skills like conflict resolution and mental health awareness can empower individuals to make positive choices. Supporting programs that provide mentorship and activities for youth is crucial, as these opportunities can keep young people engaged and away from violence. You can also advocate for policies that address issues like poverty and lack of education, which contribute to violence. Most importantly teaching the Bible and the word of God in all of these possible solutions I named. I know all these sound like simple changes, and they are! But I think these things could help stop a lot of unnecessary violence in the black community and promote positivity which is very much needed in today's world. 





(Citizens of Detroit gathered for a gun violence rally in Detroit on June 21, 2022. Credits: PBS)

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