In recent weeks, the tragic mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, has sparked a renewed national dialogue around the pervasive issue of gun violence. Unfortunately, within this discourse, communities of color, particularly Black communities, frequently find themselves marginalized or excluded entirely. However, one determined Black woman is stepping up to ensure that these voices are not only heard but are at the forefront of the movement.
Frustrated by the lack of representation, in November 2016, Maya Johnson established the Community Justice Reform Coalition (CJRC) with a mission to empower people of color to take leadership roles in addressing gun violence. Realizing that the Black community was under siege and that other communities of color were also vulnerable, Johnson recognized the need for diverse representation in the fight for change. “It’s been a struggle to secure not just a seat at the table but also to ensure that our voices resonate and that we hold equitable positions in the organization surrounding gun violence,” she shared in a recent interview.
The CJRC describes itself as a “national advocacy coalition dedicated to promoting and investing in evidence-based policies and programs aimed at preventing gun violence and advancing criminal justice reforms in urban communities of color.” Their efforts include training individuals of color to take on leadership roles not just within their local communities but on larger platforms as well, ensuring that the perspectives of those often excluded from these discussions are represented.
The Skewed Conversation Around Gun Reform
The conversation around gun reform in the United States is frequently skewed. It tends to gain traction only after major tragedies, such as school shootings, while the everyday realities of gun violence—particularly in Black and other marginalized communities—remain largely unaddressed. In the ten days following the Parkland incident, for instance, at least 21 other children lost their lives to gun violence in the U.S., as documented by the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive. Alarmingly, data indicates that on average, about 19 children are killed or injured by firearms each day in America.
This issue transcends the narrative often associated with “Black-on-Black crime.” By March 2018, the Gun Violence Archive reported approximately 2,500 gun-related fatalities in the country. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 405 incidents where police shot or killed individuals, with the vast majority of those subjects being people of color, while only 55 incidents involved police officers being shot or killed—merely an eighth of the total.
Bridging the Gap in Representation
Johnson became acutely aware of the lack of representation when collaborating with former Arizona Representative Gabby Giffords. “I began to see the gaps in organizing and the funding necessary to support grassroots efforts,” she noted. The last few years have highlighted the critical importance of representation, showing that it extends beyond cultural narratives in media; it is essential in advocacy and community engagement.
The CJRC’s primary objective is to equip people of color with the resources and knowledge needed to participate actively in town hall meetings and rallies, articulating how gun violence directly affects their communities. The truth is, efforts to address these issues will not gain the seriousness they deserve unless those most impacted are vocal and present.
The Importance of Advocacy
In today’s political landscape, where communities of color are often portrayed in a negative light, it is vital for them to have the opportunity to advocate for themselves and for those who have lost their lives in the battle for effective gun reform. “We are committed to ensuring that there is an initiative to protect our communities,” Johnson emphasized.
Currently, Johnson and the CJRC team are traversing the country, reaching out to areas that are frequently overlooked in broader gun violence discussions. They are providing training on community advocacy and offering media coaching for those directly affected by gun violence. Their commitment to long-term engagement in the fight for gun violence reform aims to secure rightful representation and influence in policy discussions.
Further Reading
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In summary, Maya Johnson’s leadership through the CJRC highlights the critical need for representation and advocacy in the fight against gun violence, particularly within communities of color. By empowering individuals and ensuring their voices are heard, the CJRC aims to create lasting change in policies affecting gun violence.