In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, there has been a surge of focus on the pervasive issue of gun violence—a crucial conversation that often overlooks the voices of communities of color, particularly those of Black individuals. However, one determined woman is stepping up to ensure that those voices are not just heard but are at the forefront of the battle against gun violence.
Frustrated by the lack of representation in discussions surrounding this critical issue, Maya Johnson established the Community Justice Advocacy Coalition (CJAC) in November 2016. Her mission: to elevate people of color into leadership roles to actively combat gun violence. “Our communities are under siege, and it’s essential that we have a presence in these conversations,” Johnson reflected in a 2017 interview with Urban Voices.
The CJAC describes itself as a “national advocacy coalition dedicated to promoting and investing in evidence-based policies and programs aimed at preventing gun violence while uplifting justice reform in urban communities of color.” They empower individuals from these communities to take on leadership roles, equipping them with the tools needed to engage in meaningful dialogues about gun violence and advocate for those often excluded from the narrative.
Let’s be honest—discussions about gun reform in the United States tend to be lopsided. They typically arise only after high-profile incidents like school shootings, neglecting the everyday gun violence that disproportionately affects Black and other communities of color. For instance, in the ten days following the Parkland tragedy, at least 21 children lost their lives to gun violence, as reported by the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive. Alarmingly, approximately 19 children are injured or killed by guns every single day in America.
This issue extends beyond the stereotype of “Black-on-Black” crime. As of March 2018, data shows there are around 2,500 gun-related deaths in the U.S., with a significant number of incidents involving police interactions that often involve people of color. In stark contrast, only 55 cases were documented where police officers were shot or killed—just an eighth of the total.
Johnson’s awareness of the representation gap deepened during her time working with former Congresswoman Sarah Martinez. “I began to see the gaps in both organizing and funding that were crucial for grassroots efforts,” she explained.
Representation is vital—it’s not just about who is in front of the camera or in the pages of books. It’s about ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are amplified in advocacy efforts. The CJAC aims to equip people of color with the necessary knowledge to participate in town hall meetings and rallies, articulating how gun violence impacts their communities. Without their presence, the issue risks being dismissed by those in power.
Gun violence against Black individuals and communities of color will not simply vanish—especially in a political climate that frequently portrays these groups as threats to the so-called “American” way of life. It is crucial that we create spaces for these communities to speak for themselves and advocate for those who have tragically lost their lives in this fight for reform.
“Our goal is to ensure that efforts to keep our communities safe are prioritized,” Johnson emphasized. The CJAC team is currently traveling across the country, focusing on areas often neglected in broader conversations about gun violence. They provide training in advocacy and media skills to individuals directly impacted by gun violence, empowering them to push for changes in policy at various levels. Johnson and her team are dedicated to the long-term fight for gun violence reform, and they hope to gain the recognition and respect they deserve in this critical movement.
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In summary, Maya Johnson is not just a figure in a growing movement—she is a beacon of hope and action, ensuring that the voices of communities of color are not only part of the conversation about gun violence but are leading it. Her organization, CJAC, is committed to empowering individuals to advocate for their communities, making strides towards a safer future.
Keyphrase: woman of color fighting gun violence
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