In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, gun violence has garnered significant national attention. However, discussions surrounding gun control often overlook communities of color, particularly Black neighborhoods. One remarkable woman, Mia Thompson, is determined to change that narrative by ensuring that voices from these communities are included in the fight against gun violence.
Frustrated by the exclusion of Black individuals from crucial conversations about gun violence, Thompson founded the Advocacy for Justice Coalition (AJC) in November 2016. Her mission is to elevate people of color into leadership roles, empowering them to actively participate in the battle against gun violence. As she noted in a 2017 interview, “It is vital that we not only have a seat at the table but that our voices are heard and valued when discussing issues like gun violence.”
The AJC is a national coalition committed to promoting evidence-based policies and programs to prevent gun violence while advocating for criminal justice reform within urban communities of color. They provide training to individuals, equipping them with the tools needed to engage in meaningful dialogue about gun violence and advocate for their communities effectively.
The discourse surrounding gun reform is often limited and reactive, typically igniting only after high-profile incidents like school shootings. Yet, it is the everyday realities of gun violence that disproportionately affect Black and other marginalized communities. For instance, in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting, data revealed that at least 21 other children lost their lives to gun violence in the U.S. within just ten days, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Furthermore, an average of 19 children are killed or injured by firearms every day in America.
This issue transcends the narrative of “Black-on-Black” crime. As of March 2018, the Gun Violence Archive reported approximately 2,500 gun-related deaths across the nation. Disturbingly, there have been 405 instances in which police shot or killed individuals, the majority of whom were people of color. In contrast, police fatalities were significantly lower, highlighting a severe disparity in how violence is perceived and addressed.
Thompson became acutely aware of these disparities while collaborating with former public officials, prompting her to address the gaps in both organizing and funding necessary for grassroots efforts. She emphasizes that representation is crucial not just in literature or film but in advocacy as well. For communities to be taken seriously, they must actively participate in the dialogue about their own lives.
The AJC’s primary objective is to empower people of color with the knowledge and confidence to articulate the impact of gun violence at town hall meetings and rallies. It’s essential for the broader society to recognize the urgency of these discussions, and that requires active participation from those most affected.
In today’s political climate, violence against Black individuals and communities of color is an ongoing issue. As Thompson stated, “We are committed to ensuring our communities are safe. Our goal is to support those directly impacted by gun violence policies.”
Thompson and her team are traveling across the country to areas that often go unnoticed in broader discussions about gun violence. They are providing training on advocacy and offering essential media skills to those who have experienced gun violence firsthand. By equipping community members with the necessary tools, they aim to foster lasting change in gun violence policies.
In summary, Mia Thompson and the Advocacy for Justice Coalition are at the forefront of the fight against gun violence, working tirelessly to ensure that communities of color are heard and represented. Their efforts underscore the importance of inclusion and advocacy in creating meaningful change in society.
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