Faculty Spotlight
Violent victimization may arguably be the most pressing issue facing young black men in poor communities in the U.S. Young black men from poor communities are overrepresented in rates of victimization including rates of homicide, physical assault, robbery, and experiences of victimization involving a firearm. I believe a number of factors can help explain the high rates of victimization and gun violence among black males such as male cultural messaging, substance abuse and difficulty with the transition to adulthood. My research examines ways families and community providers can mitigate the risk of victimization among this vulnerable group. I believe that if we can make some gains in reducing the violence and gun violence that plagues the realities of so many young black males in marginalized communities, that we can solve a great deal of America’s gun related violence issues.
