NAACP Responds to Mass Shooting at Morgan State University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, five students were wounded in a shooting that occured at Morgan State University. The act of violence at the HBCU in Baltimore, MD took place as students gathered to begin their homecoming festivities. Wisdom Cole, NAACP National Director of the Youth and College Division, released the following statement in response to the tragedy:
"A new week, and a new tragedy has befallen our nation at the hands of the gun violence epidemic. Today, the NAACP National Youth and College division stands in solidarity with our Morgan State community. While we are fortunate that no lives were lost, the students at Morgan State must grapple with a lost sense of safety. Our young people deserve to live free from the constant threat of gun violence. It is our duty to continue fighting for a future where their lives are put over profits. Congress, when are you going to stand up and protect us?"
According to Gun Violence Archives, there have been 531 mass shootings in 2023. The recent tragedy in Jacksonville that claimed three Black lives and initially targeted an HBCU campus has left the college community shaken, as Historically Black Colleges are often more vulnerable to threats of violence than predominantly white institutions. Last year alone, the FBI investigated bomb threats that were made against more than 20 HBCUs in states across the country.
For more information on the Association's gun violence prevention efforts, visit our website.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.