The Big Picture

Violence in our cities is a complex issue, but understanding how people view their neighborhoods might be key to solving it. Our recent study talked to young African American men in high-crime areas to get their perspective.

What We Did

Researchers interviewed 357 African American men, aged 15-24, in four cities known for high crime rates:

  • Baltimore, Maryland
  • Jackson, Mississippi
  • Houston, Texas
  • Wilmington, Delaware
They asked these young men about their cities, why they think violence happens, and what opportunities they see around them.

1

Tough Places to Live

Most of the young men described their cities negatively. Words like “dangerous,” “violent,” and “crazy” came up a lot. In Wilmington, for example, 86% of the guys had negative things to say about their city.

2

Why So Much Violence?

The top reasons these young men gave for the high violence were:

  • Bad influences (like certain music, social media, and peer pressure)
  • Lack of good role models and family support

3

Few Opportunities

Less than 1 in 5 of the young men thought their cities offered good opportunities. Many felt there weren’t many chances for jobs, education, or positive activities.

4

Guns for Protection

Many of the young men said they felt they needed guns to stay safe in their neighborhoods. This shows how the environment can make people feel they need to protect themselves, which might lead to more violence.
Understanding how young people view their neighborhoods reveals key insights for addressing community violence:

1

Explaining the roots of violence:

– When young people feel trapped in dangerous environments with few opportunities, they may turn to violence as a means of survival or expression.

– Negative perceptions of one’s community can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where expectations of violence lead to more violent behavior.

2

Identifying necessary changes for safer communities:

– By identifying specific issues (like lack of jobs or positive role models), we can target interventions more effectively.

– Understanding the root causes of violence from the perspective of those most affected helps us address the real problems, not just the symptoms.

3

Emphasizing the importance of community input:

– Top-down solutions often fail because they don’t account for the lived experiences of community members.

– Young people have valuable insights into their own communities that outsiders might miss.

4

Highlighting the connection between environment and behavior:

– The study shows how strongly our surroundings influence our actions and choices.

– This understanding can shift focus from blaming individuals to improving community conditions.

5

Underscoring the need for holistic approaches:

– Violence isn’t just a criminal justice issue—it’s tied to education, economic opportunities, and community resources.

– Addressing violence requires a multi-faceted approach involving various sectors of society.

Based on what these young men said, here are some ideas that might help:

1

Create more job opportunities:

  • Partner with local businesses to create internship and apprenticeship programs for young people.
  • Provide job training and skill development workshops in high-risk communities.
  • Encourage entrepreneurship through small business grants and mentorship programs.

2

Improve schools:

  • Increase funding for schools in high-risk areas to provide better resources and smaller class sizes.
  • Implement violence prevention and conflict resolution programs in schools.
  • Create after-school programs that provide safe spaces and positive activities for students.

3

Offer more positive social and recreational activities:

  • Invest in community centers that provide free or low-cost activities for young people.
  • Organize community sports leagues and arts programs.
  • Create mentorship programs pairing young people with positive role models from their communities.

4

Include young people in community planning and events:

  • Establish youth advisory boards for local government and community organizations.
  • Host regular town halls or forums where young people can voice their concerns and ideas.
  • Implement participatory budgeting processes where young people have a say in how community funds are spent.

5

Address the root causes of gun possession:

  • Implement community-based violence interruption programs.
  • Provide counseling and support services for young people exposed to violence.
  • Work with law enforcement to build trust and improve community relations.

6

Improve the physical environment:

  • Invest in neighborhood beautification projects to create a sense of pride and ownership.
  • Ensure proper lighting and maintenance of public spaces to increase safety.
  • Convert abandoned lots into community gardens or recreation areas.

7

Promote positive messaging and role models:

  • Partner with local media to highlight positive stories and achievements from the community.
  • Create campaigns that challenge negative stereotypes and promote non-violence.
  • Support and publicize local success stories to provide inspiration and hope.

The takeaway?

To reduce violence, we need to improve entire neighborhoods, not just focus on individuals. And importantly, we need to involve the community – especially young people – in creating and implementing solutions. By addressing the underlying issues identified in this study, we can work towards creating safer, more vibrant communities where young people can thrive.

About the Study

This research was published in the Delaware Journal of Public Health in June 2024. The full APA citation is: Dillard, D., Henderson, H., Rice, J., II, Goldstein, A. D., & Mangum, M. (2024). Understanding the Perception of Place and Its Impact on Community Violence. Delaware Journal of Public Health, 10(2), 46-49.