Black Americans are murdered at nearly eight times the rate of white Americans. Young Black men in inner cities are disproportionately affected. They are both the primary victims and perpetrators of gun assaults and homicides. This grave reality does not mean Black people are inherently violent. Instead, it largely reflects their disproportionate experience of systemic barriers such as poverty and limited access to quality education, good jobs and affordable housing – all factors that research shows contribute to neighborhood violence.