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Violence Begets Violence
(September 23, 2016 - Washington, D.C.) The violence in America's streets is a tragic disgrace. It seems to be escalating, despite consistent statistical evidence that the prevalence of violent crime and property crime are in decline. Technology and the never-ending news cycle bring the mayhem onto our phones, into our cars and living room with soul-deadening frequency. The National Council of Negro Women was formed in 1935 to combat the scourge of lynching. Today, we are renewed in our determination to influence decision makers to find solutions to racism and the violence it begets. Sensible gun regulation, mental health treatment options, implicit bias training, better screening of police officers, limits on official immunity and prosecutorial discretion, jobs and economic development all play a role in combating violence.
NCNW expresses its sympathy for the families and loved ones whose lives are lost to violence every day in America. We are better than this. We can do better. Hate should have no place in American public discourse. The National Council of Negro Women urges the White House, the Presidential candidates, the Senate and the House of Representatives to heed the anguish of the American people. Create a climate of respect, cooperation and patriotism. We are all Americans.
The National Council of Negro Women is a 3,000,000-member coalition of women's groups that was organized 80 years ago by Mary McLeod Bethune, who was an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on matters of race. In its early decades NCNW fought for peace and against race discrimination. Today, NCNW works to lead, advocate and empower women of African descent and their families.
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