Abuse Coalition Applauds Passage of the Commission on Black Men and Boys Act

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Rebecca Stewart

Telephone: 513-479-3335

Abuse Coalition Applauds Passage of the Commission on Black Men and Boys Act

WASHINGTON / August 20, 2020 – The Coalition to End Domestic Violence strongly commends Congress for its recent passage of the Commission on Black Men and Boys Act. Spearheaded by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL), the Act establishes the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys within the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The Commission will investigate potential civil rights violations affecting black males and study the disparities they experience in violence, criminal justice response, education, health, employment, and fatherhood.

Sen. Marco Rubio commented, “Now more than ever, it is imperative that we take action to address the racial inequities that continue to plague our nation. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century, we will need to rely on the talents and contributions of every American.” (1)

Rep. Wilson similarly noted, “I am elated that this legislation, which I have been fighting for several years to pass, is now poised to become national law. The commission will review … Welfare reform and the 1994 crime bill, which includes the controversial three strikes provision and harsh sentencing guidelines…These federal policies left a devastating impact on black men and boys in America.” (2)

The legislation has been endorsed by more than 20 civil rights leaders and organizations, including My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, NAACP, Council of the Great City Schools, Teach for America, National Football League, Reform Alliance, Teach for America, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.

The Coalition to End Domestic Violence notes that women are more likely to be perpetrators of domestic violence than men, according to the CDC National Intimate Partner and Violence Survey. The NISVS reveals that each year, 3.8% of men and 2.9% of women experience some type of violence at the hands of their partners (3). But Black men are far more likely than women to be arrested (4).

An article in Ebony explains, “We—especially Black women—need to create emotionally safe spaces for Black men to be able to seek help when they need it.” (5) Testimony by Carl Starling to the Senate Judiciary Committee has documented that false allegations of abuse also are a problem for Black men (6).

The Commission on Black Men and Boys Act was signed into law by President Trump on August 14.

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