06 Jun Media Advisory: Urgent Call to Address Root Causes of Violence in Underserved Communities
RIBBA Responds to Tragic Double Shooting on Harvard Avenue
Providence, RI – RIBBA expresses deep sorrow and concern in response to the tragic double shooting that occurred last night on Harvard Avenue in Providence. The incident resulted in the death of a 34-year-old man and left another 48-year-old man injured and currently hospitalized.
The Providence Police Department reported that the shooting took place just before 10 p.m. when an unknown assailant approached the victims and opened fire. According to the latest data posted by the Providence Police Department, this incident marks the 26th aggravated assault with a firearm in Providence this year. As police continue to investigate with no suspects in custody, the community is left to grapple with yet another senseless act of violence.
Statement from RIBBA: Addressing the Underlying Causes of Gun Violence
RIBBA stands in solidarity with the families affected by this horrific event. However, expressions of grief and condolences are not enough. We must confront the systemic issues that perpetuate such violence in our communities.
Poverty Breeds Crime: The South Side of Providence, like many underserved areas, is plagued by gun violence because of the chronic lack of opportunities and resources available to residents. This shooting is a stark reminder that without access to economic opportunities, individuals often resort to dangerous means to survive. Combining this aspect with the lack of access to mental health helps exacerbate the situation, leading to tragic outcomes.
Economic Disparities: While billions of dollars are invested in infrastructure projects across Rhode Island, our communities are consistently left out. These investments rarely translate into tangible benefits for those who need them the most. Instead of creating opportunities for growth, they exacerbate the economic divide.
Poverty Traps: Many initiatives masquerade as community support but thrive on maintaining the status quo of poverty. Our communities need real pathways out of poverty—sustainable, safe, and supportive ways to build their futures without resorting to crime.
A Call to Action: Investment in Community and Economic Development
RIBBA has been tirelessly advocating for state investment in our initiatives aimed at sustainable business development and entrepreneurship. We promote access to capital and resources that empower individuals to create their own economic opportunities. It is imperative that the state prioritizes investment in programs that offer real solutions to poverty and crime.
As stated in an article published by Bloomberg titled “How Black-Owned Businesses Help Reduce Youth Violence” highlighted, “…Black businesses mitigate some of the economic factors that contribute to youth violence in these communities. They add jobs, provide employment opportunities, and generally improve the neighborhood.” This highlights the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurship as a means to reduce crime and improve community well-being.
University of Delaware Study: A study conducted by the University of Delaware found a causal link correlating the rise in Black-owned businesses with a reduction in Black youth violence. The study highlights that the loss of job opportunities for African American men deprived younger generations of traditional male role models. In disadvantaged urban settings, the lack of male role models participating in legitimate labor market activity often leads many young people to turn to violence. The presence of traditional male role models reduces the rates of African American youth violence.
Racial Wealth Gap: According to the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, White households currently earn six times more wealth than Black households. However, when a Black household is led by an entrepreneur, that disparity is cut in half. The same study demonstrated that Black business owners hold 13x more wealth than Black non-business owners. This data demonstrates that entrepreneurship is key to closing the racial wealth gap.
Advocacy for Funding: Black-owned businesses are the fastest-growing sector of our economy. If the state supported this rising tide, our neighborhoods would see a reduction in violence. These entrepreneurs and business owners look to RIBBA for support, but our resources have slowed to a trickle. This year, Representative Nathan Biah and Senator Jake Bissaillon introduced legislation that would allocate budget funding directly to RIBBA for the purpose of growing businesses and creating jobs. Specifically, the legislation would fund a pilot program to certify and scale more Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women-owned Business Enterprises (WBEs) to bridge the pipeline gap. Leaders in government, construction, and development decry the lack of MBEs & WBEs for projects, yet RIBBA, the organization producing the newest certifications leading to tens of millions of new revenues in our economy, did not receive even a slice of the funding asked for this year. Yet, despite concerted advocacy over the past year, the budget will go before the House without this funding. If RIBBA does not receive resources, the Black and Brown community we serve does not receive resources, and this cycle of poverty and violence continues unabated.
Our message is clear: We cannot continue to bury Black and Brown young people due to systemic neglect. Our community deserves an equitable share of the investment pie, not just in buzz words and empty promises but in concrete, actionable support through robust investment. We call on Rhode Island State leaders to partner with us in fostering a safer, more prosperous future for all residents.