Unpacking Violence in Black Communities
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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Understanding Intra-Communal Violence
Intra-communal violence refers to violence that happens within a specific community. In the context of Black communities, this means violence occurring among Black individuals and groups. It is a complex issue, often driven by a small number of people or groups (nnscommunities.org). This type of violence is deeply connected to various factors, including the economic conditions people live in, the lasting effects of historical trauma, and unfair systems that create disadvantages.
The impact of intra-communal violence is significant. It creates enormous and unfair social and economic costs within minority communities (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). These costs include expenses for medical care, education, and the justice system. Furthermore, violence leads to reduced productivity in the job market, lower property values, and disruptions to essential community services. Research has also shown a clear link between high rates of youth violence and overall community violence (ocme.dc.gov). Addressing this issue requires understanding its roots and implementing strategies that support the community from within.
The Impact of Dehumanizing Narratives
One major factor contributing to violence within Black communities is the harmful idea that Black people are naturally violent or somehow less than human. This idea is spread through societal messages and popular culture (afro.com). Young people, in particular, are taught through media and entertainment that their worth is tied to being tough, aggressive, or even violent. This creates a dangerous environment where aggression can be seen as a sign of value.
Moreover, the way capitalism works can make things worse. Some businesses profit by promoting harmful stereotypes of Black people, especially to a wider audience. This leads to many stories and images that show Black people as criminals or inferior (afro.com). These negative ideas, combined with the deep pain from historical dehumanization—like the lasting effects of slavery—can make people feel worthless and sad. This can lead to self-destructive behaviors, including violence against others within their own community. It is a cycle where external negative perceptions become internalized, leading to pain that is then expressed outwardly.
Class Divides and Community Abandonment
Another significant reason for intra-communal violence is the growing gap between working-class Black people and the Black middle and upper classes. The Civil Rights Movement brought about important changes, creating opportunities for some Black individuals to improve their social standing (afro.com). However, this often happened without a similar focus on improving the lives of the entire community. This has led to increased class differences within the Black community.
As a result, many Black people have become poorer and are often unfairly judged. Sometimes, even Black individuals who have achieved middle-class status contribute to this by trying to distance themselves from what they see as problems within the working class (afro.com). This creates a sense of abandonment, where those who have achieved success may not invest in the collective uplift of the community. This growing class stratification can weaken community bonds and leave vulnerable populations without the support systems they need, contributing to the conditions where violence can thrive.
Debunking Misconceptions About Violence
There is a common belief that drug trafficking and a “criminal element” are the main causes of violence in Black communities. However, this explanation is often not supported by facts. For example, data from Baltimore's Western District in 2020 and 2021 showed that only 14.5% of homicides were linked to drug trafficking (afro.com). This suggests that focusing solely on drug-related crime as the primary driver of violence might be a misdirection.
Instead, a larger portion of homicides were due to ongoing personal disputes, accounting for 20.3% of cases. Internal group disputes were responsible for 18.8%, and sudden personal disputes made up 11.6% of homicides (afro.com). Similar patterns have been observed in studies conducted in other cities. This indicates that violence is often rooted in interpersonal conflicts and group dynamics, rather than solely in the drug trade. Understanding these true drivers is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Homicide Causes in Baltimore's Western District (2020-2021)
Addressing Root Causes of Violence
To truly prevent violence, we must address the deep-seated pain and suffering that lead to it. It is important to understand that political efforts to demonize Black people are not real violence prevention strategies (afro.com). Instead, these efforts are often about gaining political support from groups committed to maintaining a system of white supremacy. Such tactics distract from the real work of healing and community building.
The most effective messengers for violence prevention are often those who have been unfairly targeted by the political system. This includes individuals who were formerly incarcerated or involved in street organizations (afro.com). These individuals have unique credibility and understanding of the community's challenges. Investing significantly in organizations led by these credible messengers is vital. Their work can help address the internalized feelings of inferiority and worthlessness that contribute to violence within the Black community. By empowering these voices, we can foster genuine change and healing.
Community-Driven Prevention Strategies
Community-driven strategies, such as Group Violence Reduction Strategies (GVRS) and Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs, are proven ways to reduce violence. GVRS focuses on a small number of individuals and groups who are at high risk of being involved in violence (monse.baltimorecity.gov). The goal is to offer them support, clearly communicate community expectations against violence, and apply consequences when necessary. These strategies recognize that a very small number of people often drive violence, and focusing on them can make communities safer.
CVI programs bring together community leaders, social service providers, and law enforcement to deliver anti-violence messages (magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu). These programs can include interventions in hospitals for shooting victims and new initiatives created by community members to meet specific neighborhood needs (nlc.org). The core idea is to foster internal social pressure within groups to deter violence, offer an “honorable exit” for those who want to change, and provide support for individuals seeking a different path (nnscommunities.org). These collaborative efforts are essential for creating lasting peace.
Understanding Group Violence Reduction Strategies (GVRS)
Group Violence Reduction Strategies (GVRS): These strategies focus on a small number of high-risk individuals and groups involved in violence. The approach involves offering support, clearly communicating community norms against violence, and applying sanctions when necessary. The goal is to reduce violence by directly engaging with those most likely to be involved, offering them a path away from violence, and ensuring consequences for continued harmful actions. (monse.baltimorecity.gov)
The Role of Credible Messengers
The success of violence prevention efforts heavily relies on the people delivering the message. Individuals who have lived experience with violence, such as those formerly involved in street organizations or who have been incarcerated, are often the most credible messengers (afro.com). They understand the complexities of the streets and can connect with at-risk individuals in ways that traditional authorities cannot. Their authenticity builds trust and opens doors for meaningful conversations about change.
These credible messengers are uniquely positioned to address the internalized feelings of inferiority and worthlessness that can drive self-destructive behavior. By sharing their own journeys and offering guidance, they provide hope and demonstrate that a different path is possible. Investing in organizations led by these individuals is not just about funding programs; it is about empowering the very people who can transform their communities from within. Their work is essential for fostering healing and resilience.
The Importance of Data-Driven Approaches
Effective violence prevention must be based on accurate data, not on assumptions or stereotypes. The idea that drug trafficking is the primary cause of violence is a convenient narrative, but it is often not supported by evidence (afro.com). Without understanding the true circumstances that lead to violence, prevention efforts will be misdirected and ineffective. It is crucial to gather and analyze data to identify the actual drivers of violence in specific communities.
For example, knowing that personal disputes and internal group conflicts contribute significantly to homicides allows for more targeted interventions. This means focusing on conflict resolution, mediation, and addressing underlying tensions within groups, in addition to efforts to curb drug-related activities. A data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively, addressing the most prevalent causes of violence and leading to more impactful results. This also helps to move away from harmful narratives that demonize entire communities.
Understanding Community Violence Intervention (CVI)
Community Violence Intervention (CVI): CVI programs involve a collaborative effort between community leaders, social service providers, and law enforcement to deliver anti-violence messages. These programs can include hospital-based interventions for victims of gun violence and unique initiatives created by community members to address specific neighborhood needs. CVI aims to create a unified front against violence, offering support and alternatives to those at risk. (magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu)
The Path Forward for Prevention
Addressing violence in Black communities requires a comprehensive approach that tackles its root causes. This means moving beyond simplistic explanations and focusing on the complex interplay of societal dehumanization, class stratification, and interpersonal conflicts. It also means challenging political narratives that demonize Black people, recognizing them as counterproductive to genuine violence prevention (afro.com). Instead, we must champion strategies that empower communities from within.
Major investments are needed for organizations led by credible messengers—individuals with lived experience who can effectively reach and influence those at risk. These investments should support programs that address the pain and suffering that lead to violence, offering pathways to healing and positive change. By focusing on community-driven solutions, supported by accurate data and led by trusted voices, we can build safer, stronger, and more resilient Black communities for future generations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
