The Need For Change

The victims of violence go beyond the fallen child. Studies show that 26% of parents die within the first 10 years after experiencing the trauma of losing a child and that 92% of those parents’ marriages fail.

The emotional impact of the loss of a child includes a wide range of psychological problems, including

• depression and anxiety
• cognitive and physical symptoms associated with stress
• marital problems
• increased risk for suicide
• physical pain
• guilt

One of the major issues that Voices of Black Mothers United addresses is the public insensitivity and lack of information about the number of young blacks who are victims of violence every day.

Many mothers who are working through the trauma of their loss are now empowering others to tell their stories.

Some may consider homicides of Black children and violence in our communities to be intractable and think that the best they can do is to convey their sympathy. However, sympathy is no substitute for support. Voices of Black Mothers United partners with Black mothers to offer support and resources to create hope and strengthen our neighborhoods.