In recent weeks, following the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida, the issue of gun violence has gained significant attention. However, discussions around gun control often overlook communities of color, particularly Black communities. Yet, one determined Black woman is stepping forward to ensure that these voices are not only heard, but also actively participate in the fight against gun violence.
Frustrated by the exclusion of Black individuals from critical conversations on gun violence, Maya Johnson founded the Community Justice Reform Coalition (CJRC) in November 2016. Her goal was to elevate people of color into leadership roles that would empower them to address gun violence effectively. At that time, it was evident that the Black community was under siege, with other communities of color facing similar threats. “It has been a challenge to ensure we not only have a seat at the table but that our voices are heard and valued in organizing around gun violence,” Johnson stated in an interview with a local news outlet in 2017.
The CJRC describes itself as a “national advocacy coalition that promotes and invests in evidence-based policies and programs aimed at preventing gun violence and advancing criminal justice reforms within urban communities of color.” They focus on training individuals of color to take on leadership roles within their communities as well as on a broader scale, encouraging them to engage in the dialogue about gun violence and advocate for those who are often overlooked.
It’s clear that the narrative surrounding gun reform and violence in the U.S. is heavily skewed. Discussions typically surge following a high-profile incident, like a school shooting, while the everyday impact of gun violence, especially in Black and other marginalized communities, is frequently ignored. For example, in the 10 days after the Parkland shooting, at least 21 other children lost their lives to gun violence in the U.S., according to data from the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive. On average, about 19 children are killed or injured by gunfire every day in America, as reported by ABC News.
The conversation surrounding gun violence transcends the misleading notion of “Black-on-Black crime.” As of March 2018, the Gun Violence Archive reported around 2,500 gun-related deaths in the U.S., alongside 405 incidents where police shot or killed a suspect—most of whom were people of color. In stark contrast, only 55 incidents involved police officers being shot or killed, illustrating the disproportionate nature of these encounters.
Maya Johnson became acutely aware of the gaps in representation while collaborating with former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “I started noticing the organizational and funding gaps that needed to be filled to support the essential groundwork,” Johnson explained.
Representation is vital in advocacy efforts, and it extends far beyond literature and film. To effectively champion the needs of their communities, individuals must actively participate in these discussions. The CJRC’s primary mission is to equip people of color with the knowledge and skills required to voice their concerns, whether at town hall meetings or rallies. It is essential that Black voices are present to ensure that their issues are taken seriously.
The violence directed toward Black individuals and communities of color is unlikely to dissipate soon, particularly in the current political climate that often portrays these communities in a negative light. It is crucial for these communities to have the opportunity to speak for themselves and honor those who have lost their lives in the struggle for gun reform. “Our aim is to ensure that efforts are made to keep our communities safe and to support those who will be most affected by these policies,” Johnson shared with the media.
Currently, Johnson and her team from the CJRC are traveling across the nation to areas that are frequently ignored in broader discussions about gun violence. They are providing training on advocacy and media engagement to those who have been directly impacted by gun violence. By equipping these individuals with the tools needed to instigate policy changes on multiple levels, Johnson and her team are demonstrating their commitment to long-term advocacy for gun violence reform, hoping to secure a rightful place for themselves at the decision-making table.
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Summary:
Maya Johnson founded the Community Justice Reform Coalition to elevate the voices and leadership of people of color in the fight against gun violence, addressing the disparities in representation and advocating for change. Through training and advocacy, Johnson and her team are working to ensure that marginalized communities are not overlooked in discussions about gun violence and safety.
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