Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we pause to honor Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence and justice – a vision that remains at the heart of our work at Community Justice. Dr. King believed in a world where all people could live free from violence, inequality, and fear. His message is a guiding light as we confront the ongoing crisis of gun violence, which continues to disproportionately impact Black and brown communities.

In the spirit of Dr. King’s mission, we reflect on some of the wins that were achieved during the Biden-Harris Administration:

President Biden established an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the White House, providing national leadership and support for evidence-informed solutions, including community violence intervention programs and coordinated support for survivors of gun violence.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law in 2022, marked the most significant gun safety legislation in decades, improving background checks, providing funding for community-driven solutions, and investing in resources for youth.
In a pivotal victory for survivors, the Supreme Court affirmed that people subject to domestic violence restraining orders should not have access to firearms in United States v. Rahimi in 2024.

These efforts have contributed to meaningful change: in 2024, the U.S. saw the murder rate fall at a record pace for the second consecutive year, with cities like Baltimore, New Orleans, and Philadelphia reporting double-digit reductions in homicides.

Yet, even with this progress, we cannot ignore the persistent disparities. Black children and teens still experience firearm homicide rates far higher than their white peers. This stark reality underscores the urgency of our mission and the need for continued advocacy and action.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s work, let us commit ourselves to his vision of equity, justice, and peace. Together, we can continue to push for change and ensure every community has the opportunity to thrive.