A shooting claimed the lives of two North Carolina A&T State University students early early this month.
Alisia Dieudonne, 19, and Amhad Campbell, 21, were both students of North Carolina A&T State University, were wounded when an unknown subject shot them during an altercation. Both students were pronounced dead at the hospital.
Many students have expressed disbelief at the tragedy, while others are angered by the increase of “Black-on-Black” crime.
“I am sick and tired of the killings against our own people, how can we scream Black lives matter to the police meanwhile we shoot and kill our own brothers, sisters, and children,” NCAT senior Tiffany Blackwell said.
Whenever a soul is taken away due to senseless crime, it is a tragedy. But why are Blacks solely to blame for “Black-on-Black” crime”?
What is “Black-on-Black” Crime Anyway?
(Courtesy of The Root)
“Black-on-Black” crime is a term used to deflect the attention of Blacks being massacred by police officers to the crimes happening against other Blacks.
When Black lives matter protests happen, they are always deflected and overshadowed by tragedies such as the shootings of the two NCAT students. Yes, crime against any human being is an issue that needs to be resolved. But why use it as a tool to remove attention from the importance of police brutality against Black men and women?
In the wake of the 216 deaths of Black men and women by police officers, people of color have been teaching their children proper police etiquette, dress code, and ways to eliminate the dangers of being a young person of color in America.
“I am terrified of raising my son in this society,” said TeJanae Mcdade, mother of 7-month-old Akir. “I use to fear raising him in the hood among drug dealers and thugs, but I’m more afraid of the police harming my baby.”
5 Facts That Shatter “Black-on-Black” Crime Myth:
1. Research Indicates Whites surpass Blacks in Criminal Arrests
According to the 2010 FBI crime statistics, Whites surpass Blacks 2-1 in criminal arrests. Because Whites usually have money to pay for an attorney apposed to receiving a court appointed lawyer, they have a higher chance of receiving a slap on the wrist. Blacks are usually swayed into taking plea deals, resulting in higher conviction rates.
2. Most Murders Are Interracial
Just like America, crime is segregated by likeness or people that know each other. According to the Bureau of Justice, from 1973-2005, 94% of Black people killed Blacks, while 84% of Whites kill other Whites.
3. Gang Murders Are Most Common Among White Gangs
In cities like Greensboro, Chicago, and Baltimore violence among Blacks is highlighted. The FBI crime statistics reflect gang-related homicides are committed by Whites. In fact, 53.3 percent are White, while 42.2 percent Blacks.
4. Criminal Enforcement Agencies Target People of Color
Blacks were arrested on drug charges 2.8 to 5.5 times higher than Whites every year from 1980 through 2005.
5. Black Students Are Actually Punished More Harshly for Committing the Same Crimes as White Students
In 2009 through 2010, of the 18% of Black students in the school 42% were referred to law enforcement. Only 25% of White students were referred to law enforcement.
The thing is, the senseless killings of all human beings have to stop. We must assess the origins of the problem to properly rectify the issue. We need to stop blaming victims of the systemic and institutionalized racism that has continued to prevalent in America.
Other References for Facts:
–Open Letter to Whites Who Are Obsessed With “Black-on-Black” Crime
–Why “Black-on-Black” crime isn’t a valid argument against criticizing police brutality
–There’s No Such Thing As “Black-on-Black” Crime
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