Historic and Cultural Roots of Urban Inner City Violence

This presentation will examine ways in which 50 years of U.S. public policy has disproportionately impacted blacks living in urban inner cities, giving rise to a culture of aggression and violence. It will explore how the political and economic policies implemented were precursors to widespread trauma, addiction and alienation in black communities and families in cities across the nation.  These policies, destroying families and social capital, eroding cultural and moral mainstays, have left a void that has been filled by nihilism, rage, and internecine violence. Differences between punitive and restorative approaches to urban violence will be described along with ways for achieving a shift in paradigms.