The 2024 Community Justice Challenge Week Three Recap: Gun Violence
Week Three of the 2024 Community Justice Challenge educated our participants on gun violence in America. From rising suicide rates and firearm purchases to the history of gun ownership and its lasting legacy, this week’s topic enlightened our community on the rippling effects of gun ownership in the United States and how we can work toward a safer world. Here's how you can support the work of local South Florida organizations working hard to address these issues:
Donate to Guitars Over Guns or contact them for more information about how you can support their mission "to offer students from our most vulnerable communities a powerful combination of music education and mentorship with professional musicians to help them overcome hardship, find their voice and reach their full potential as tomorrow's leaders.
Volunteer as a mentor at Transition, which offers job search, referral, training and placement services, as well as certifications in a number of trades, to help lift individuals out of the cycle of crime and poverty.
Consider donating to the Carrie Meek Foundation, which provides funding to a variety of local nonprofits through its Supporting Safer Communities Grant Program.
Thank you to all who participated this week. We shared important discussions, took action and sparked realizations that will help us all move forward.
Day One: Who is Protected by the Second Amendment?
Since our nation’s founding, the right to gun ownership has been integral to citizens. This right, however, has never been equally extended to people of color due to racial bias. On the first day of week three of our Community Justice Challenge, we dug into this complex history and explored how these biases have influenced the Second Amendment and gun-related laws.
Second Amendment Resources:
Day Two: Suicide
TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE
On day two, we shared important discussions about the connections between gun ownership and rising suicide rates. We explored movements to destigmatize mental health concerns. In a separate but linked article, we educated ourselves on how social isolation, financial struggles and other issues brought on by COVID-19 have affected gun-related suicides. While difficult, these shared conversations have heightened our awareness and made us better equipped to avoid these unfortunate incidents that have touched many of our lives.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 lifeline, which provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Suicide Prevention Resources:
More Black Americans Are Buying Guns. Is It Driving Up Black Suicide Rates? (Audio)
U.S. Rate of Suicide by Firearm Reaches Record Level (Article)
Suicide from Firearm Prompt Movement to Address Mental Health Stigmas (Video)
Day Three: Guns and Intimate Partner Violence
TRIGGER WARNING: DOMESTIC/INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
On day four, our community delved into the interconnectivity of guns and domestic/intimate partner violence and uncovered some shocking details. For instance, the presence of a firearm in the home makes women three times more likely to be murdered. From education on domestic violence gun laws to how to prevent gun violence, we walked away from this day strengthened with information that could save lives.
If you are experiencing domestic/intimate partner violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Guns and Intimate Partner Violence Resources:
Day Four: Gun Violence's Impact on Communities of Color
Did you know that gun violence disproportionately affects communities of color in the United States? While these groups face heightened fatality and injury rates, justice in these cases often falls short. The resources from this day have equipped us to better hold our local law enforcement and government officials accountable for all gun violence cases that cross their desks.
Gun Violence's Impact on Communities of Color Resources:
Far from Justice: Why are Nearly Half of U.S. Murders Going Unsolved? (Article)
How Gun Violence Leaves Lasting Trauma in Communities (Video)
Gun Violence Has a Devastating Impact on Hispanic Communities (Article)
Miami-Dade Police Report Fewer Murders Compared to 2023 (Article)
Day Five: White Supremacy Gun Violence
On the final day of week three, our community addressed the issue of white supremacist gun violence. We analyzed gun-related tragedies and the insights they provide into deeper, rooted causes. Our participants explored articles that detailed why “racism is at the heart of America’s gun inaction” and highlighted how these acts of racial violence are affecting our very own state of Florida. With these new insights, we’re better prepared to address these issues and advocate for better prevention.
Financial Literacy Resources:
The Mass Shooting in Buffalo Reflects Deeply Rooted American Ideas (Article)
Dying of Whiteness: Why Racism is at the Heart of America's Gun Inaction (Article)
What The Georgia Shootings Reveal About Anti-Asian Racism in The U.S. (Podcast)
Week Four Preview: Transportation
Are you enjoying the challenge so far? Help us spread the word to those in our community and encourage them to register before next week's conversations begin. Join us next week to explore the how America's history of systemic racism continues to profoundly shape how we travel through the world today.
As we wrap up the Challenge next week, we are excited to host an open community discussion via Zoom on June 7 at 2 p.m. We invite you to join us as we dedicate time and (virtual) space to discuss the learnings and topics from the last four weeks and create an action plan to keep the discussion going beyond the Challenge. Please come with your thoughts, questions and ideas!
