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Black Lives, Police Brutality, & Gun Violence...America's Scarlet Letters

 Written by: Ikeshia Smith, Psy.D., LSW

The Clinical Cookout, LLC


TCC stands strongly against police brutality and those whose lives have been lost to gun violence. While we acknowledge the importance of having individual rights and abiding by the law, TCC continues to support victims and their families who have been negatively affected by systemic injustices. TCC recognizes the pain and suffering these injustices have caused to many communities, specifically to the Black and Brown communities. Over time, minorities have campaigned, marched, and fought hard to ensure the lives of minority women and men are treated fairly by the judicial system but have been met with stagnation on police and community reform, their cries fallen on deaf ears of political leaders, and subjected to execution-style killings by the very people who are to protect and serve their communities. Just as of recently, a 20-year-old Black man, named Donovan Lewis, was fatally killed by Columbus Police while in his bed on August 30, 2022. As the family mourns his loss, TCC is advocating for a thorough investigation and will continue to support the family and other victims of gun violence during this time.  


Here are some links to stay up-to-date on Gun Violence


Black Americans Being Disproportionately Affected by Gun Violence 

https://www.everytown.org/issues/gun-violence-black-americans/ 


Gun Violence and Community Trauma Among Black Americans

https://everytownresearch.org/report/invisible-wounds-gun-violence-and-community-trauma-among-black-americans/?_gl=1*1yocwkr*_ga*NDk3MTY0ODk3LjE2NjIyMjU5NDA.*_ga_LT0FWV3EK3*MTY2MjIyNTk0MS4xLjEuMTY2MjIyNjAxMC4wLjAuMA.. 


Gun Violence and the Police

https://everytownresearch.org/report/gun-violence-and-the-police/?_gl=1*vc029x*_ga*NDk3MTY0ODk3LjE2NjIyMjU5NDA.*_ga_LT0FWV3EK3*MTY2MjIyNTk0MS4xLjEuMTY2MjIyNjE3Ny4wLjAuMA.. 


Here are some statistics in the United States

How do you stay involved: 


1. Continue to stay-up-date on current laws in your state

2. Continue to monitor police policies and elected officials who support police reform

3. Stay connected and support families and victims of gun violence

4. Educate your community (families, peers, and co-workers) about gun safety and       current gun policies 

5. Write or call your local, state, and federal legislators on improving gun laws

6. Most importantly, VOTE like your life depends on it!



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