Louisiana ranks third in Black homicides; Baton Rouge advocate calls for support

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — An annual study from the Violence Policy Center (VPC) ranks Louisiana as having the third-highest rate of Black homicide victimization in the country, with 86% of victims killed by gunfire in 2023.

In Baton Rouge, where homicides have dropped by about 10.5% according to police data, community leaders said the crisis is far from over.

“Violence is an epidemic not just in Louisiana but in this country,” said Sateria Tate, Program Director of the Baton Rouge Street Team, a local violence intervention group.

Tate believes that the key to preventing gun violence starts with better support for youth, long before they ever come into contact with law enforcement.

“A lot of the things that we see happening with our youth is the lack of support,” she said.

While Tate commended progress made by local law enforcement, she pointed to deeply rooted issues, like underfunded schools, limited access to enrichment programs, and a lack of recreational outlets.

“There are inadequately funded programs, there’s a lack of enrichment, a lack of recreation,” she said. “As we know, our schools are failing. Just like we’re at the top for gun violence, we’re at the bottom for education.”

Tate also highlighted how easy access to firearms and the influence of online disputes can quickly escalate into deadly encounters.

“Access to guns is a direct issue with our young people,” she explained. “They’re not making the guns, but they’re getting hold of them. Those guns and those beefs and the things they’re dealing with on a daily basis are directly contributing to what we’re seeing in these statistics.”

Despite the sobering numbers, Tate remains hopeful. She said many of the families served by the BR Street Team go on to lead successful lives with the right support systems in place.

“I see people getting jobs, getting more education, and thriving,” Tate said. “The people that we serve more often than not turn a new leaf in life.”

The Baton Rouge Street Team is now calling on more community partners to step in, offering mentorship, job training, and safe spaces for youth development.

The BR Street Team is hosting a Public Safety Roundtable at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Delmont Gardens Branch Library. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn how they can help make a difference.

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