WHEN DID VIOLENCE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY BEGIN?
The history of violent crime in the Black community is complex and deeply intertwined with broader social, economic, and political factors. It’s important to understand that violence in any community doesn’t have a single starting point but is influenced by a range of historical and contemporary issues.
Great Migration: As African Americans moved to northern cities to escape Jim Crow laws, they encountered new forms of violence and discrimination. This migration led to the formation of urban ghettos, where economic opportunities were limited, and social tensions often resulted in violence.
20th Century Trends:
Post-War Period: High levels of violence emerged in American cities during the postwar period, influenced by factors such as economic inequality, segregation, and systemic racism.
1960s Onwards: Data shows that Black men have had the highest rate of homicide victimization since at least the 1960s. The homicide rate for Black men was significantly higher than for other racial groups, reflecting broader social issues.
Contemporary Issues:
Gun Violence: Since the 1980s, gun violence has become a significant factor in homicides within the Black community. The use of firearms in homicides has increased, contributing to higher rates of violent crime.
Systemic Inequality: Ongoing issues such as poverty, lack of access to quality education, and systemic racism continue to contribute to higher rates of violent crime in many Black communities.
Understanding the roots of violent crime in the Black community requires a nuanced view of history and the recognition of systemic issues that have persisted over time. Issues like the purposely created ghettos, the effects of the national highway system on black communities, white flight, the withdrawal of businesses in black communities, the lack of federal funding in black schools' etcetera.