Black Girls in Los Angeles Drive Change Against Violence

Black girls in Los Angeles face a harsh reality as they frequently witness women around them being killed, driving a community-led movement for change. Black women and girls represent an outsized share of local homicide victims while making up only about four percent of the regional population. Frustrated by the failures of police and legislators to curb the violence, community members and teens are stepping up to speak out. The tragic killing of 16-year-on Tioni Theus in January 2021 galvanized outrage across the region. Although local and state leaders offered a cash reward and commissioned a report, no arrests have been made five years later, leaving families demanding more tangible prevention measures and better mental health resources.

Youth Lead the Movement

To counter the root causes of violence, including misogyny and harmful stereotypes, local youth are taking matters into their own hands. Organizations like the Women's Leadership Project offer mentorship and educational programs to help teen girls navigate systemic racism and gender-based violence. Fifteen-year-old track athlete Ken'Niyia and other teens participate in workshops to share their experiences of feeling unsafe, being followed, and losing loved ones to gunfire. These young women emphasize that they often feel blamed or ignored by the wider city, lacking the compassion afforded to others.

Black women and girls in Los Angeles face disproportionate violence and are driving change themselves.

Why it matters

This movement highlights the systemic neglect and lack of protection faced by Black women and girls in Los Angeles. By organizing workshops, taskforces, and podcasts, community members are working to build safer environments and address the intersection of domestic and community violence.