For Immediate Release
April 7, 2021
Contact: media@colorofchange.org.
COLOR OF CHANGE: BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION’S INVESTMENTS IN COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION ARE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION — BUT THERE’S MORE WORK AHEAD
Rashad Robinson issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement that his administration will invest more than $5.3 billion in community violence intervention and other community safety measures:
“The scourge of gun violence is and has long been a systemic problem in Black communities. The consequences of what President Biden has called an “epidemic” have disproportionately impacted Black lives and communities of color for decades.
“The series of executive actions by President Biden in his first 100 days provides a vital first step in the right direction to protect communities of color from gun violence. President Biden’s announcement includes several proposals long advocated by Color Of Change, from prioritizing community violence prevention to funding community violence intervention programs and redirecting law enforcement funding towards evidence-based initiatives to address community violence. However, we still need more proactive policy changes centered around the wellness and safety of our communities. We will continue to advocate for policy changes and funding to invest in and create more access to community and health care-based programming.
“Despite the strides accomplished with these executive actions, far more extensive efforts are still needed to keep our communities safe. There’s still more work to be done on several fronts to break the systemic barriers caused by economic inequality, a lack of access to healthcare, and over-policing.
“Unfortunately, President Biden’s executive action also increases funding to police departments. Those resources should go to proven interventions instead of more investment in enforcement-based strategies that have left Black communities over policed and incarcerated.
“Now more than ever, we need to reduce the violence in our communities without increasing the footprint of law enforcement. We need to build the infrastructure of power where it belongs – in our communities. The federal government’s inaction has cost us countless Black lives; Congress should build on the policies enacted by the Biden-Harris Administration and pass comprehensive legislation.”
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Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by over 7 million members, we move decision-makers in corporations and governments to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org.