Every time we speak up for justice, there’s always someone ready to throw it back in our face:
“But what about Black-on-Black crime?”
Let’s get this straight—that phrase isn’t real criminology. It’s not even honest reporting. It’s a weapon—used to distract, to discredit, and to justify a system that profits from our pain.
In this powerful video, we break down the 10 truths that expose the “Black-on-Black crime” narrative for what it really is: a myth. A lie. A tool of control.
Here’s just a glimpse:
- Crime happens within communities. White folks commit crime against white folks. Same for Asians, Latinos. But only we get labeled.
- It’s a media invention. The phrase was popularized in the ’70s and ’80s—not by scholars, but by politicians and newsrooms pushing fear and control.
- Poverty drives crime, not race. Where schools fail and jobs disappear, crime grows. Not because we’re Black—but because of policy decisions rooted in neglect.
- It’s used to silence justice. “What about Chicago?” is just another way to ignore state-sanctioned violence and real demands for change.
- It fuels oppression. When they say we kill each other, they use it to justify brutality, surveillance, and over-policing.
- It hides the truth. For decades, we’ve been doing the work—healing circles, mentoring, grassroots organizing—but peace doesn’t make the evening news.
- It blames the victims. They slash school budgets, close clinics, flood our communities with prisons—then ask why we’re in pain.
- White violence is never racialized. School shootings, domestic terrorism, mass killings—they never get labeled by race. That double standard is by design.
- It protects profit. While we debate crime stats, billions flow into defense contracts, prison expansions, and police militarization.
- The solution is investment—not blame. Every time we invest in education, jobs, healthcare, housing… crime goes down. It’s not about race. It’s about resources.
This isn’t about crime. It’s about control.
If you’re tired of letting them shape the narrative—reclaim the truth with your family.
💡 That’s why we created the Black History Flashcards: to teach our people the truth that was never meant to be taught.
✊🏾 And for our youth, Sankofa Black History & Leadership Club is where our children learn their power, history, and leadership from day one.
📽️ Watch the full video above—then talk about it with your family. Share it. Save it. This is how we fight back.
No matter how much the Black Community changes or adapts, the finish line becomes increasingly distant. It’s not a give-and-take issue, but more like “If you make it to here, why not continue? Go further, we want more!”
We cannot excuse reality – we hurt one another at alarming rates. I am a historian. I understand all of the WHYS, but I embrace the TRUTH. White supremacy is not my reality. I’ve worked in various White institutions and my crown never tilted. I ended my professional career at the museum Dr. Burroughs built and experienced discrimination other cultures would not dare to consider. I stand strong and help others STAND. My people are not victims; we are kings and queens. We perpetrate crimes against one another when we refuse to hold one another accountable. Racism definitely exists, but throughout my life I am able to function in their environment because I was there for one purpose. If denied an opportunity I was not denied twice. However, we can’t expect full opportunity with minimal qualifications. Change is needed, but we can’t expect it to come from outside.
Good video summary!
I’ve always thought this was a ploy for control, I’m glad to see that I was not alone with that thought!