KILL N-WORD STOP KILLINGS

Seventy per cent of Baltimore is Black, and its homicide rate makes it one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

For the last decade, there have been around 300 killings a year in a population of just over 600,000. But what are the causes? Community activist and organiser Brother Alton blames a lack of self-respect among the Black community as a result of 400 years of systemic oppression and white supremacy. And he’s working hard to reduce violence by mentoring Black males to be their brothers’ keepers.

In this clip, he powerfully reminds them to stop using the derogatory n-word when referring to each other. a term created by racist whites to dehumanise our people. He says, ‘You can kill a n****r, but you can’t kill your brother.’

Baltimore’s homicide rate fell below 300 in 2023 for the first time in years. Politicians typically credit targeted police enforcement for the drop. However, we feel community activists like Brother Alton are the ones who deserve the credit.

According to the US Department of Justice, over 80 per cent of homicides across the country involve Black men. Explanations are complex, but maybe wider adoption of initiatives like Brother Alton’s could help.

Watch the clip and tell us what you think.

Video credit: @mrleagueofmen