Film/Video

Life After the Gunshot

Joseph Richardson, PhD
University of Maryland, College Park, MD

APHA 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo

Gun violence is the leading cause of death and disability among young Black and young Black men ages 15-44 years old. This population is disproportionately overrepresented among firearm related homicides. Black men make up 59 percent of all gun homicide victims despite comprising less than 7 percent of the population. This documentary describes and demonstrates the experiences of young Black men survivors of violent firearm injury in the National Capital Region. The documentary illuminates the causes and collateral consequences of interpersonal conflict and firearm related injury. More importantly, the documentary humanizes a group that is often demonized, villainized and dehumanized through victim blaming. The film centers on narrative change by showing their humanity and vulnerability through their visceral narratives on the impact of traumatic stress on their lives and family members. The film also demonstrates the impact of structural violence and the criminal legal system as a contributors to gun violence in Black communities. The best comparison in terms of documentaries would be the Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz produced documentary The Interrupters (2011). However, our documentary centers on participants in a hospital violence intervention program. Our film has garnered national acclaim featured on NPR, NBC and film festivals.

Advocacy for health and health education Communication and informatics Diversity and culture Provision of health care to the public Public health or related education Social and behavioral sciences