I abhor gun violence, and I hate the idea of youth in communities of color eating their own. However, let's face it; a one-on-one killing is never going to get the media attention of a mass shooting. First, because the number of victims is so large. Second, because they are truly random, so most people fear that they could be the next victims. Third, those street murders are generally not committed with the intent of killing the largest number of people, and they ARE NOT CARRIED OUT WITH ASSAULT-STYLE WEAPONS.

Gun safety regulations are the only answer to this issue. Clearly, most guns held by black youth have been illegally obtained. If we had serious gun safety, then it would be more difficult for everyone to get guns, because there would be fewer available. Next, if there were national gun safety standards, then it would be far more difficult to go to an adjoining state to get a firearm.

Full political engagement. Tell everyone. Tell them twice. As people of color, we don't engage in the political process until it's an emergency. When YOUR child dies, then you become a gun safety advocate. When YOUR child dies or is maimed in an auto accident, then you become a drunk-driving activist. All of our children are our children, and we need to be responsible enough to go to the polls to elect people who will take our interests to heart. Imagine. If we had gotten to the polls in 2016, then we would not have a Supreme Court so willing to interpret the 2nd Amendment as they wish, thus endangering all our lives in mere moments.

I'm a retired teacher. I have been to the funerals of students' fathers where many young men weep and moan over their loss of a friend, only to seek "revenge" the next day. I have also had the sad experience of watching bright, young, promising boys lost to the streets as they get older. What can we do in our communities to support them for happier futures? Get involved, folks. Get involved.

I was ready to select "Respond," when the network I'm watching just announced a feature on gun violence in three American cities. I hope that people pay attention.