Urban America and African American Gun Violence

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Gun violence is highly concentrated in African American communities and is widespread in inner city neighborhoods. African American gun violence has become such a concern that it has been labeled a public health threat. African Americans are disproportionately victims and perpetrators of gun violence, have a higher propensity to use and carry weapons, and are more likely to die as a result of gun violence. Few studies, however, provide a detailed account of the history of gun carrying, the value of gun carrying, and the situational and individual factors that lead to or inhibit the use of guns among young African American males. Using a qualitative approach, this project describes how guns were introduced, obtained, used or not used, loved, and despised among African American males. Specific attention is given to those factors and situations that the men describe as provoking the carrying and use of guns. The findings from the work can help develop effective gun violence prevention policies that target young black males in inner-city communities.

Key words: African American, gun use, violence, urban, risk factors

Authors

• Tiffany Rivers, California State University, Long Beach

• Dina Perrone, California State University, Long Beach