The Other Epidemic: Gun Violence and Mass Shootings in America with Dr. Matthew Whitaker

Recent research on the frequency of mass shootings indicates that they are becoming more common and more deadly. A mass shooting is defined as four or more people (excluding the gunman) being injured or killed in an incident. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, 470,840 people were victims of crimes that involved a firearm in 2018, and 481,950 in 2019. As of March 31, 2021, 126 mass shootings occurred in the U.S., leaving 148 people dead and 481 injured. The public is overwhelmingly opposed to gun violence, yet there is no consensus on root causes or corrective measures. Can we reduce gun violence and support the second amendment? How do mental illness, toxic masculinity, and racism factor into the equation of gun ownership and access to weapons? The U.S. with less than 5% of the world’s population, has 46% of the world’s civilian-owned guns. Is gun ownership a matter of individual rights or a human rights issue? What makes the culture and beliefs about gun ownership different in the U.S. than other countries? Join us for this timely conversation on the history and evolution of gun violence and mass shootings in America, and some of the possible solutions to this other epidemic. This program is cohosted by Prescott Public Library.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Matthew Whitaker is a decorated educator, historian, author, social justice advocate, motivational speaker, and founder of the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, where he taught for 16 years. Whitaker’s expertise lies in U.S. history, African American history, race relations, social movements, cultural competency, equity and inclusion, teaching excellence, and community partnerships.  Whitaker has received numerous awards including the 2016 DLA Diversity and Inclusion Award, ASU’s 2015 Pioneer Award for work on African American life and culture, and 2014 DLA Inclusive Workplace Award. Whitaker has spoken throughout the U.S. and abroad, and has been featured on CNN, NPR, PBS, WVON, and KEMET. His books include Hurricane Katrina: America’s Unnatural Disaster, Race Work: The Rise of Civil Rights in the Urban West, and his forthcoming memoir, The Undisputed Truth: A Revolutionary Journey to Black Manhood.