In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, discussions surrounding gun violence have intensified. However, amidst the discourse on gun control, the voices of communities of color, particularly Black communities, are frequently sidelined or entirely absent from the conversation. One exceptional woman is determined to change that narrative.
Frustrated by the exclusion of Black voices from the gun violence dialogue, Maya Thompson founded the Community Justice Reform Coalition (CJRC) in November 2016. Her mission is to elevate people of color into leadership roles, ensuring they are at the forefront of the battle against gun violence. At that time, it was evident that not only the Black community was facing threats, but that other communities of color were equally at risk. Unfortunately, the movement for change has often been dominated by predominantly white voices. “It has been a challenge to secure not just a seat at the table, but also to ensure our voices are amplified and that we have equitable involvement in addressing gun violence,” Thompson stated in a 2017 interview.
According to their website, CJRC is described as a “national advocacy coalition that promotes and invests in evidence-based policies and programs to prevent gun violence while uplifting criminal justice reforms in urban communities of color.” The organization also provides training for people of color, empowering them to take on leadership positions within their communities and contribute meaningfully to the broader discussions surrounding gun violence.
The narrative surrounding gun reform often skews heavily towards sensationalized incidents, typically highlighted only after major tragedies. However, the everyday realities of gun violence disproportionately affect Black communities and other communities of color. For instance, in the ten days following the Parkland shooting, at least 21 other children lost their lives to gun violence in the U.S., as reported by the Gun Violence Archive. As ABC News highlights, approximately 19 children are killed or injured by firearms every day in America.
This issue extends beyond the oversimplified concept of “Black-on-Black crime.” By March 2018, the Gun Violence Archive recorded roughly 2,500 gun-related fatalities in the United States, with 405 incidents involving police shooting or killing a subject—most of whom were people of color. In stark contrast, only 55 incidents involved police officers being shot or killed, illustrating a significant disparity.
Thompson’s awareness of these representation gaps grew during her collaboration with former Representative Gabby Giffords. “I began to recognize the voids in organizing and funding necessary to support grassroots efforts,” she noted.
Representation is crucial in advocacy. It’s not merely about visibility in media or literature; it’s about having the tools and support needed to advocate effectively for one’s community. This is a central goal of the CJRC—equipping people of color with the knowledge to articulate the tangible impacts of gun violence at town halls and rallies. White allies are less likely to take these issues seriously unless Black individuals actively participate and demand attention.
Violence targeting Black individuals and communities of color remains a pressing issue, particularly in the current political landscape that often portrays these groups as threats to the “American” way of life. It’s vital that people of color have the platform to speak for themselves and for those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of gun reform. “We’re committed to initiatives that ensure our communities are safe. We want to support individuals who will be most affected by these policies,” Thompson remarked.
Thompson and her CJRC team are traveling across the country to engage with areas often overlooked in discussions about gun violence. They are providing training on effective advocacy and offering media training for those directly impacted by gun violence. Their commitment to creating change in gun violence policies is steadfast, and they hope to secure a rightful place at the discussion table.
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In summary, Maya Thompson and the Community Justice Reform Coalition are working tirelessly to ensure that the voices and experiences of communities of color are not only included in conversations about gun violence but are leading the charge for meaningful change.