Los Angeles, CA—The #Standing4BlackGirls coalition held a press conference at City Council District 8 headquarters on June 22, 2023. The primary objective of the conference was to draw attention to the alarming increase in violence against Black women and girls in Los Angeles County. Members of local organizations such as the Women’s Leadership Project, Positive Results Center, Young Women’s Freedom Center, and the California Black Women’s Health Project, along with activists Suzette Shaw, Dr. Ronda Hampton, and Kathy Evans, collectively urged CD8 Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Mayor Karen Bass to take decisive action.
According to shocking statistics shared during the conference, although Black women and girls constitute only 4.3% of the City of Los Angeles’ population, they account for a disproportionate percentage of female violence victims, ranging between 25-33%. This demographic experiences record levels of gun homicide, rape, and domestic violence.
Frustrated with the City’s lack of accountability towards Black women, Black girls, and Black gender expansive communities, the #Standing4BlackGirls coalition is advocating for targeted prevention programs, improved mental health services, and increased availability of safe spaces for Black women, girls, and gender expansive youth and communities.
