Alabama’s Youth Struggle with Gun Violence: A Call for Change

In Alabama, firearms have become the leading cause of death for children and teens, with the state experiencing a surge in youth violence. A recent study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals the disturbing trend. Birmingham, the state’s largest city, saw a record-breaking 151 homicides in 2024, making it the deadliest year in the city’s history. Tragically, among those killed were 10 children, with the youngest victim being just five years old.

A Rising Crisis in Birmingham

The violence in Birmingham is particularly concerning. Despite efforts to curb gun violence, the city continues to see a rise in deaths among its youth. The case of 17-year-old Gerald Andre Lomax Jr., an athlete at Jackson-Olin High School, stands as a stark example. Lomax, known for his smile and positive attitude, was tragically shot in front of Woodlawn High School in November. His death, along with the deaths of nine other young people in 2024, highlights the extent of the crisis.

The names of the other young victims are: Aston Starkey, 13; Markell Sanders, 15; Prentice Lovell Little, 15; Cornelia Rose Lathan, 15; Jaylin Lee Jenkins, 16; Alexis Elizabeth Wise, 16; Jaquavius James Weston, 18; and Jonathan O’Dell Thomas Jr., 18. Many other children have also been injured in shootings.

The National Gun Violence Crisis

This problem extends beyond Alabama. In 2022, there were 2,526 gun deaths among children and teens ages 1 to 17 across the United States—nearly seven per day. The gun death rate for this age group has increased by 106% since 2013, and gun violence has become the leading cause of death among children since 2020. Black children and teens are disproportionately impacted by gun violence. In 2022, Black children ages 1 to 17 had a gun death rate 18 times higher than that of their white peers. Among Black teens ages 15 to 17, more than half (55%) were killed by firearms.

Cassandra Crifasi, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, emphasizes the devastating impact of gun violence on communities. “Communities that experience high rates of gun violence are absolutely ravaged by this issue, and it has long-lasting effects,” she says. The trauma from gun violence extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire communities and draining resources that could otherwise be used for development and growth.

The Push for Stricter Gun Laws

Experts agree that there are concrete measures that could help reduce gun violence. The Johns Hopkins report suggests implementing firearm licensing that includes background checks and required safety training, removing firearms from individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, repealing stand-your-ground laws, and enforcing stricter permitting for open and concealed carrying of firearms.

In 2023, Alabama made it legal to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, further complicating efforts to address gun violence. While Alabama is not known for its strict gun laws, some GOP lawmakers and law enforcement personnel have begun to call for stronger regulations in response to the increasing violence in local communities.

Stricter gun laws, along with expanded public health initiatives like community violence intervention programs, have been shown to be effective in reducing gun violence. Crifasi argues that these measures can help rebuild communities, improve public safety, and provide resources for those affected by violence.

Community Efforts to Address Gun Violence

In response to the growing crisis, several initiatives have been launched in Birmingham to address the root causes of gun violence and provide support to at-risk youth. The Hospital Linked Violence Intervention Program at the University of Birmingham Hospital and Jefferson County’s RESTORE program aim to help at-risk youth get back on track and prevent further violence. The Common Ground program focuses on teaching conflict resolution skills to students from elementary through high school.

TeAndria Ellis, the founder and executive director of the Surge Project, a nonprofit dedicated to youth and community development, believes that empowering communities is key to reducing gun violence. “When you give people the resources they need to pull them out of survival mode and help them thrive, you will start to see reductions in gun violence,” she says. “The power to transform communities lies within the community.”

Experts like Stephanie Hawkins, vice president of the Transformative Research Unit for Equity at RTI International, also stress the importance of tailored, intentional strategies for supporting at-risk youth. Hawkins points out that youth who are vulnerable to violence are often overlooked unless there are clear efforts to reach them. She advocates for investment in schools, job opportunities, clean water, and transportation, along with a commitment to diversity in the development of community violence prevention programs.

Hawkins also highlights the importance of addressing the trauma caused by violence. “When young people have to navigate life with the reality that a family member or friend might die from violence, the trauma and grief are profound,” she says. “It’s essential to ensure a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to addressing these issues.”

Looking Forward

The crisis of gun violence among children and teens in Alabama is not an isolated problem but part of a larger, national epidemic. As gun deaths among youth continue to rise, communities, policymakers, and experts agree that change is necessary. Stricter gun laws, increased support for at-risk youth, and investment in community-based solutions are all crucial components in addressing the root causes of gun violence.

The situation in Birmingham and across Alabama serves as a reminder that while the path to change is complex, the responsibility to protect young lives is clear. Communities must come together to demand change and take action to create safer environments for their children and teens.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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