From Susceptibility to Immunity: The Pandemic of Homicide Grief

Abstract

Grief from homicide is a global phenomenon. A pattern of structural racism and systemic inequities have shaped Black homicide deaths and have increased the prevalence, susceptibility, spread, and impact of homicide grief for Black communities throughout the global diaspora. A complex interplay of structural vulnerabilities has constituted a worldwide pandemic of homicide grief for Black communities. In this paper, homicide grief is conceptualized as a pandemic. Historical and structural factors that create vulnerability to homicide loss, enhance susceptibility, and facilitate the spread of homicide grief for Black communities is described. A public health framework incorporating prevention, protection, and mitigation strategies is critical to addressing pandemics. A public health framework that incorporates anti-Black racism and other sociopolitical factors that render Black communities disproportionately vulnerable to homicide grief is proposed. Recommendations for reducing the prevalence and interrupting the inequitable spread of homicide grief within Black communities is discussed, including improved access to culturally responsive grief and bereavement services, influencing policy structures, and increasing culturally attuned research efforts.