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The topic of gun violence in Urban America is viewed as a problem stemmed from impoverished conditions that are displayed by young black and brown children trying to survive in violent communities.
Currently, the debate on gun violence is center stage in the National Political Arena. The recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida has shifted the narrative. Revealing it is not just an urban issue but one that has affected affluent middle-class communities as well.
The survivors of Parkland school massacre should be commended for their willingness to be the voice of change.
However, urban community residents’ issues with gun violence has long been overlooked. Is it because the demographics have shifted?
This is similar to the opioid epidemic spinning out of control in America. Now that the heirs of affluent families are dealing with the realities of drug addiction, elected officials are now passing laws that offer diversionary rehab program.
For years urban communities have dealt with the same epidemic, and the only solution offered was prison.
Media and elected officials are now so focused on this new middle-class issue, they have forgotten about the children who have survived gun violence in Urban America.
For years urban communities have protested and shouted asking for resources to eradicate inner city violence. Resources that middle class Americans have the access to daily, such as state of the art schools with quality curriculums, better policing, and career readiness.
In New Jersey cities like Camden, Jersey City, Newark, and Patterson residents have lived with illegal drug dealing and violence for decades without a solution.
The Nation is now standing along with the suburban students of Parkland calling for the government to change its gun laws.
Let's face it Americans will never really care about the issues affecting black and brown children until they affect white children.