On the same evening that Americans voted to give now-President-elect Trump a second chance to lead the nation, five criminals robbed and shot a popular chef, business owner and former football star, Tobias Dorzon, and his girlfriend as they were leaving a local restaurant.
Fortunately, their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening – which, from video captured during the attack, is nothing short of a miracle. Because of his longtime support to the community with jobs and philanthropic initiatives, the attack on Dorzon has evoked widespread support with some saying he’s “too good of a person to deserve” what occurred.
But does anyone deserve to be robbed, shot and left for dead? And to what should we attribute the rise in
Black-on-Black crime?
According to the Office of Justice Programs, Black homicide rates are seven to eight times higher than those of white Americans. In 2023, there were 9,284 Black murder victims in the U.S. while in nearly 90% of cases, the Black victim was killed by another Black. Meanwhile, 52% of the murder victims were acquainted with their assailant.
There are many reasons that officials count as factors that contribute to neighborhood violence –from systemic barriers like poverty and limited access to quality education to good jobs, affordable housing and high rates of illegal gun possession among young men in urban areas. But these reasons can no longer be used as excuses.
As a known racist, sexist, 34-time convicted felon and twice impeached man is about to take over the Oval Office, and has made promises that could have detrimental effects on Black communities in the DMV region and nation, it’s important to work to stop violence and unite toward progress.
With statistics showing that 90% of Black murder victims are killed by another African American person and more than half of those who have died knowing their murderer, it’s critical to combat community violence. Killing one another destroys the future of Black families, while uniting paves a way for a better tomorrow.
Instead of hostility and violence, it’s important to come together as many people brace for what could be a challenging time for Black Americans.