The rise of crime during the crack epidemic of the 1980’s and 1990’s earned Washington, D.C. the title “Murder Capital” of the United States. Murder, crime, and other violent activities plagued the city, specifically those heavily populated by African-Americans. All of this with the closing of vocational schools and drugs and guns being introduced into our communities, though Black folks did not and do not own the planes or boats that bring them into the United States. This was the beginning of the return to another form of systemic racism in the D.C. Public School System.

The city’s response was to increase police presence in many areas throughout the city. This, despite the fact that many studies suggest that by improving access to traditional and vocational education, outcomes for youth are significantly improved; and consequently, youth participation in criminal activity is reduced–this, again, underscores the direct relationship between crime and education; or more aptly, lack of the appropriate education. The present option ensures that the majority of those students will go to jail and/or have an early DEATH.

BLACK WOMEN FOR JUSTICE – Gerri Adams-Simmons, Spokesperson, 202.723.0113