This weekend, racially motivated gun violence took three people’s lives in Jacksonville, Florida. We mourn the losses of Angela Michelle Carr, 52, Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19, and Jerrald Gallion, 29.

We condemn the violent actions of the killer, and the toxic culture that empowered white supremacist violence. We must stop the radicalization of young white men that is enabled by politicians who pander to extremists for votes. We must work alongside those who are leading efforts to end white supremacy and gun violence. Young people are working for a time when everyone can live free from violence and fear.

No group or person who works with Black youth should disregard the toll this atmosphere of fear and violence takes. It impacts all of our work, because it impacts the young people we work with.  We cannot separate this trauma from the work we are trying to do with young people. We must, as advocates for youth health and rights, work for an end to violence and white supremacy. Our young people certainly deserve opportunity, education, and fulfillment.  And at a bare minimum they deserve safety in their communities.