Gun Violence is the Output. Where does it begin?

Igniting Hope for Health Equity

Ep. 31 Pastor George Nicholas and Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks discuss the issue of gun violence as a public health concern. They explore the historical roots of gun ownership in America, particularly its connection to the control of Black people, and the disproportionate impact of gun violence on Black youth. They also highlight the need for upcoming community events to address the culture of violence and trauma that perpetuates gun violence.

"The presence of gun laws itself has not proven to be the kind of deterrent in order to keep ourselves safe. It's a cultural thing." - Pastor George Nicholas

Resources:

Buffalo Center for Health Equity Events: Men's Health Initiative Monday, February 19, March 4 and 18th.

• How to Change the Black Eastside (Featuring Dr. Henry Taylor) Monday, Feb 26th
• End Gun Violence Event: Thursday, February 29 10am-1pm Erie County Medical Center Smith Auditorium 462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY
• Book by Carol Anderson: The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America

Key Takeaways:

• Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America, with black youth being disproportionately affected.
• America has a unique gun culture, with more guns than people, and a significant portion of gun ownership is concentrated among white men.
• The historical context of gun ownership in America reveals a legacy of using firearms to control and oppress black people and indigenous communities.
• Framing gun violence as a public health issue allows for a deeper understanding of the root causes and the development of comprehensive solutions.
• Addressing the trauma and desensitization to violence is crucial in breaking the cycle of gun violence and creating safer communities.

About the Speakers:

• Pastor George Nicholas is the host of the Igniting Hope podcast and the Executive Director of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity. He is dedicated to eliminating race-based health disparities and addressing the root causes of gun violence in communities.
• Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks is the Manager of the Men's Health Initiative at the Buffalo Center for Health Equity. He works closely with young people and men in the community, providing support groups and resources to promote personal and financial growth.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Pastor George Nicholas introduces the topic of gun violence as a public health issue.

0:05:29 Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks promotes the upcoming men's health initiative event.

0:08:18 Analysis of the ineffectiveness of strict gun laws in preventing gun violence.

0:11:05 Revelation of firearms as the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America.

0:13:06 There is gun violence everywhere in America.

0:14:58 Witnessing violence creates trauma, especially for young people.

0:15:37 The presence of firearms enables and empowers violence.

0:16:53 "The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America" by Carol Anderson.

0:17:21 The idea of black people having guns was not in the original documents.

0:18:46 The Negro Act of 1740 restricted the movements and access to firearms for enslaved people.

0:19:20 South Carolina issued monetary rewards for the scalp of an escaping slave.

0:20:10 50% of wealth holders in the 13 colonies owned guns in 1774.

0:21:37 Legislation and punishment were used to control enslaved people.

0:24:00 Massachusetts and New York banning enslaved Africans from possessing guns

0:25:11 The use of the militia to control African and indigenous populations

0:26:59 Comparison of the government's use of the National Guard during civil rights protests

0:30:46 The rise in black gun ownership and the narrative of self-defense

0:32:25 Disproportionate gun violence and deaths among black youth

0:34:46 Desensitization to violence and the influence of street culture

0:35:53 Gilbert Arenas and the consequences of impulsive actions

0:37:23 Creating a community where gun violence is not normalized

0:39:32 President Biden's office of Gun Violence Prevention

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