Readers React: Stop accusing African Americans of ignoring black-on-black violence

To the editor: Op-Ed article author Michael Krikorian (“Just another South L.A. killing?,” Opinion, Feb. 4) and the letter writers who support him question why there is a lack of outrage in the African American community over black-on-black crime, such as the incident that resulted in the death of Gerrik Thomas. Many African Americans, including me, consider this a teachable moment.

First, the overwhelming majority of mass killers are white males, yet rarely is the white majority blamed for inattention toward these crimes that are often white-on-white.

Second, there are countless African American organizations — including gang truce groups, churches, centers for ex-felons, tutorial projects, Mothers Against Violence, male mentoring institutions and more — that fight urban crime.

Third, the media, including the white screenwriters of “Straight Outta Compton,” glorify violence and perpetuate racist stereotyping of the black community — all of which are overwhelming, beyond our control and have a profound impact on impressionable youths.

Finally, Black Lives Matter and other organizations focus on police brutality because institutional violence has terrified African American communities, from Southern lynchings to the senseless killings of black men committed under the color of law today.

Legrand H. Clegg II, Compton

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