Suicide is an all too often overloooked issue in the Black community. Mental health issues can impact anyone, and, it can be hard to recognize if someone close to us is considering suicide and even harder to know how to help or seek help.
A shared history of trauma and ongoing challenges like racism significantly heighten the risk, and young Black men are particularly high risk for suicide. It’s important to face this issue head on to save lives.
If you or a loved one is experinceing suicidal thoughts, seek help.
Exposure to inhumane treatment including systemic racial violence and discrimination including enslavement, trafficing, jim crow era segregation, disasembling communities and more. These traumas can be passed down through generations via
For those who’ve caused harm, restorative justice offers a chance to understand the real impact of their actions and take genuine steps toward making amends. It’s an opportunity for personal growth and understanding. For parents, this process can provide insight into their child’s actions and how they might support their child’s path to accountability and change.
Crime affects more than just the direct victim and offender—it ripples throughout the community. Restorative justice encourages community involvement in addressing harm and rebuilding trust. By participating in or supporting restorative justice, the community, can actively work towards a safer, more understanding, and cohesive environment for all.
16% of the Black population in the USA reported having a mental illness in the last year.
There is an upward trend ind in suicide. Young Black men are 6.6% more likely to commit suicide then than they were two decades ago.
Young Black men are particularly vulnrable. Today, young Black men are 6.6% more likely to commit suicide then than they were two decades ago.
Find stat about hwo young balck men are 4 time more likly than young black women to kill themselves. its in latoyas materials i think.
In many contemporary societies, the justice system leans heavily towards punitive measures, despite the fact that justice centered on healing can lead to healthier outcomes for everyone involved. For example, 27% of youth who enter the traditional justice system re-offend within two years, while only 18% re-offend within the same time period when using a restorative justice approach. This clearly demonstrates how the criminal system often falls short of addressing the underlying issues (Umbreit, 1998). Short-term punitive measures, while sometimes effective in deterring immediate repeat offenses, might not address the deeper reasons behind these behaviors, leading to prolonged adverse effects on individuals and the wider community. This recurrent pattern can perpetuate cycles of offenses, exacerbating societal divides.
Mental health does not discriminate. Suicide is an issue across all communities, within the Black community, young Black men are disproporationaly vulrable.
So why does restorative justice resonate so deeply? It’s simple: humans inherently yearn for hope and the chance to forgive and be forgiven. In contrast to punitive justice, which can stifle these desires, restorative justice promotes healing and growth. It provides a framework that fosters empathy, understanding, and collaboration, which are essential for true recovery and community building. Dive into a side-by-side comparison to see how restorative justice leads to better outcomes for affected individuals.
The benefits of restorative justice are undeniable. It’s a compassionate alternative that not only supports victims but also encourages offenders to take responsibility and grow from their mistakes. This approach ultimately fosters a more understanding, empathetic, and harmonious community for everyone involved.
Restorative justice isn’t merely a theoretical concept; its positive outcomes are tangible and transformative, providing hope and healing in places where traditional justice falls short.
Project Lift champions restorative justice through its programs, trainings, and advocacy. And, fortunately, we are not alone! There’s a growing community of exceptional organizations also championing the cause, helping expand the reach of restorative justice. To get involved with restorative justice, check out these organizations.
Building Freedom Ohio
Focused on developing the leadership capacity of people impacted by criminalization.
Greater Cleveland Congregations
Fostering non-partisan collaboration across communities to catalyze sustainable social change.
Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change
Uplifting the voices of impacted families to transform Ohio’s civil justice landscape in one generation.
Restorative justice is not just a philosophy; it’s backed by rigorous research and evidence. The science behind restorative justice delves into its effectiveness, benefits, and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities. For those keen on understanding its empirical foundation, the following PDFs offer insights. Dive into these resources to deepen your knowledge about restorative justice.
Please contact Project LIFT for more information about restorative justice and its relevance to your life or your loved ones’. Additionally, we value your feedback on the prosecution process and the Juvenile Justice Center in Cleveland. We want to understand the issues our community is experiencing, and your input is integral to this process.
Please use the form below to get in touch.
Project LIFT serves as a prevention and social justice agency that provides behavioral health services to Black teens and fathers at risk of homelessness, economic instability, and incarceration to ensure they successfully transition into independence.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing distress or a mental health crisis.
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