The issue of gun violence in America has taken center stage due to several tragedies taking lives – often the lives of youth – far too soon. Beyond these isolated and tragic incidents, however, is the persistent issue of homicide in black America. Gun violence most keenly affects black males in America, particularly those who live in high-poverty communities. Between 2000 and 2010, on average, 4,900 black males died each year from gun violence. During the same time period, 48 percent of the nation’s homicide victims were black males, and most of them were youth and young adults. This issue of gun violence and its solutions must be informed by the experiences of black men and boys.