Political Quotes

“I rise tonight with my colleagues of the CBC to recognize Gun Violence Awareness Month and to bring attention to the impact of gun violence on Black communities around our Nation. For decades, gun violence has been an epidemic that has had disproportionate and devastating impacts on Black communities. In fact, the facts are sobering and clear. On average, more than 13,000 Black people die from gun violence each year. In the United States, Black Americans die from gun violence at nearly three times the rate of White Americans. In 2023, firearm homicides against Black Americans rose over 23 percent. In that same year, firearm suicides in Black communities increased 50 percent, and unintentional shooting deaths rose 11 percent. In the 5 years since the police murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, police shootings of Black Americans have continued to rise. These are not simply statistics. These are the heartbreaking stories of tragedy and loss that should shake our collective conscience as Americans of goodwill.”