In the wake of the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida, the issue of gun violence has garnered increased attention across the country. However, discussions surrounding gun control and its consequences often overlook communities of color, particularly those of Black individuals. Stepping into this crucial conversation is a remarkable woman who is determined to ensure that Black voices are not only heard but are at the forefront of the movement against gun violence.
Frustrated by the exclusion of Black communities from critical discussions on gun violence, Lisa Thompson founded the Community Justice Reform Coalition (CJRC) in November 2016. Her mission was clear: to empower people of color to occupy leadership roles in the fight against gun violence. The urgency of this movement became even more apparent as the realities of violence were disproportionately impacting Black neighborhoods and other communities of color. Yet, the prevailing narrative and leadership in the advocacy space remained predominantly white. “Securing a voice at the table and ensuring it resonates is a challenge,” Thompson stated in a 2017 interview.
The CJRC identifies itself as a national advocacy group dedicated to promoting evidence-based policies and reforms to mitigate gun violence and enhance the criminal justice system in urban areas of color. They work to equip individuals from these communities with the skills and knowledge needed to engage in vital conversations about gun violence and advocate for those frequently left out of the dialogue.
Typically, discussions about gun reform arise only after high-profile incidents, such as mass shootings. However, the everyday realities of gun violence, which severely affect Black communities and other marginalized groups, often go unnoticed. For instance, in the ten days following the Parkland shooting, over 21 children lost their lives to gun violence in the U.S., as reported by the Gun Violence Archive. Moreover, approximately 19 children are killed or injured by firearms every day in America.
This issue extends beyond the misconception of “Black-on-Black” crime. By March 2018, there were around 2,500 gun-related deaths in the United States, with a staggering 405 incidents involving police shootings, predominantly affecting people of color. In contrast, only 55 police officers were shot in the same timeframe.
Thompson’s awareness of the representation gap grew during her collaboration with a former congressional member, prompting her to investigate the funding and support needed for grassroots organizing. Representation is crucial, not just in media and literature, but in advocacy; to effect change, it’s vital for community members to actively participate.
The CJRC’s primary objective is to empower individuals of color with the resources necessary to articulate the impact of gun violence in their communities, particularly during town hall meetings and rallies. The absence of Black voices in these spaces can lead to misconceptions and a lack of seriousness about the issue among decision-makers.
Given the current political climate, where communities of color are often portrayed negatively, it is essential for those affected by gun violence to have the platform to speak for themselves, honoring those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of reform.
“We strive to ensure our communities are safe and that we support those directly impacted by policies,” Thompson shared. The CJRC is actively traveling across the nation to engage with often-overlooked areas in discussions about gun violence. They provide training on advocacy and media engagement for those affected by gun violence, equipping them with the tools to drive policy changes effectively. Thompson and her team are committed to sustaining this fight for the long term, hoping to secure rightful representation in the discussions surrounding gun violence.
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In summary, Lisa Thompson and the Community Justice Reform Coalition are pivotal in ensuring that communities of color are not just included in the conversation on gun violence but are also empowered to take charge of their advocacy, creating a more equitable and safer society for all.