To All Black Men: Silence in the Face of Violence Towards Black Women is Inexcusable

Sep 3

While history offers countless instances of Black women suffering in silence, from the horrors of plantations to countless untold stories of abuse without Prince Charming or Django coming to save us, we'll start with a more recent incident involving Carlisha Hood.

Carlisha Hood, 35, was assaulted by a stranger, Jeremy Brown, at a restaurant in Chicago. Shockingly, as she was attacked, several men merely looked on, with some even fleeing the scene. When a video of the incident emerged online, many were quick to blame Carlisha without knowing the full story. But thanks to the bravery of women who recorded the altercation, it became clear that Carlisha did not provoke anyone.

In a another recent disturbing incident, a Houston, Texas woman shared her experience of being assaulted with a brick for refusing to give out her phone number out. As she suffered, a group of men observed without intervening.

Such silence and inaction are devastating. While there's an ongoing dialogue about accountability and respect within the Black community, there's a disconnect when it comes to many Black men recognizing their role in perpetuating harm, either directly or by inaction.

This violence against Black women at the hands of Black men is a reality we must confront head-on. Relying on cliched calls for improvement or relying on family members for help has often proven ineffective. It's imperative that we shift the narrative and seek protection and justice.

A Los Angeles Times report highlights the disturbing prevalence of this issue. While Black women constitute about 4.3% of LA's population, they represent up to 33% of its violence victims. Between January 2011 and August 2022, of the 481 women killed in LA, 158 were Black, many of them victims of intimate partner violence.

Moreover, national data paints a grim picture. Over 40% of Black women have endured intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. The Guardian's 2022 analysis revealed that the homicide rate for Black women and girls had risen by 33%.

The mental well-being of Black men clearly needs addressing. For too long, Black women have borne the brunt of these emotional storms. Now, more than ever, it's crucial for Black women to prioritize their safety and well-being, while urging Black men to seek the healing they desperately need.

Stay vigilant and stay safe, Black Women.