Black Homicide Victimization

The devastation homicide inflicts on black teens and young adults is a national crisis, yet it is all too often ignored outside of affected communities. To educate the public and policymakers about the reality of black homicide victimization, each year the VPC releases Black Homicide Victimization in the United States, which details state by state the circumstances of all reported homicides with black victims.

Our research shows the black homicide victimization rate is nearly four times the national homicide victimization rate, and seven times the homicide victimization rate for whites. Nearly 90 percent of black homicide victims are shot and killed with guns. These facts are both appalling and unacceptable. An important part of ending the gun violence epidemic is to reduce homicides in the African-American community.

Publications
Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2020 Homicide Data (April 2023)
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Previous Editions of Black Homicide Victimization in the United States

Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2019 Homicide Data (July 2022)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2018 Homicide Data (May 2021)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2017 Homicide Data (June 2020)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2016 Homicide Data (May 2019)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2015 Homicide Data (April 2018)
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View a companion study that focuses on the Great Lakes states

Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2014 Homicide Data (March 2017)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2013 Homicide Data (March 2016)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2012 Homicide Data (January 2015)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2011 Homicide Data (January 2014)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2010 Homicide Data (January 2013)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2009 Homicide Data (January 2012)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2008 Homicide Data (January 2011)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2007 Homicide Data (January 2010) 
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2006 Homicide Data (January 2009) 
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2005 Homicide Data (January 2008)
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Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2004 Homicide Data (January 2007)
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