CJAF Executive Director Greg Jackson Statement Following CDC’s Report on COVID-19's Impact On Violence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2022
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CJAF Executive Director Greg Jackson Statement Following CDC’s Report on COVID-19's Impact On Violence
Washington, D.C. – Today, the CDC published Vital Signs: Changes in Firearm Homicide and Suicide Rates a report detailing the impact COVID-19 has on increasing gun violence over the last two years. Community Justice Action Fund (Community Justice) Executive Director Greg Jackson released the following statement in response to the CDC's alarming findings.
“Two years ago we were forced into our homes as we struggled to understand the potential dangers of COVID-19. While doctors, scientists, and experts banded together to stop a deadly pandemic, it is clear another public health crisis was looming.”
“Gun violence is the leading cause of premature death in the U.S., disproportionately impacting people of color. The increased gun violence amid the pandemic has been unrelenting in our communities and this report makes clear that we need immediate action to reverse this deadly trend.”
“Putting an end to gun violence in Black and brown communities means organizing neighbors, building coalitions, and making investments in more community support. We look forward to working with the Biden Administration and Congress to fund violence prevention programs that save lives and revitalize communities. Our neighborhoods thrive when the community is engaged and takes an active role in advocacy that makes a lasting impact. As the pandemic moves into its latest phase, we cannot lose sight of gun violence as a deadly, dangerous and disruptive public health crisis."
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The Community Justice Action Fund, a project of Tides Advocacy, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization building power for and with communities of color to end gun violence.