Talent Over Tokenism: Black Mayors Slash Crime Despite Media Silence

July 8, 2025

Black mayors across America are achieving significant reductions in violent crime rates, yet their successes remain largely unrecognized by mainstream media. In Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott has overseen a 22% drop in homicides and a 19% decrease in nonfatal shootings compared to last year, while Birmingham's Mayor Randall Woodfin has led efforts resulting in a 52% reduction in homicides. These improvements stem from comprehensive, evidence-based strategies combining targeted enforcement with community services and technological advancements.

Who is affected

Residents of major American cities with declining violent crime rates, particularly in Baltimore, Birmingham, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta
Families who have lost fewer loved ones to violence
Youth in these cities, with Baltimore reporting a 71% decrease in juvenile homicide victims
Community members who are now more willing to engage with police
Individuals involved in criminal activity who are being offered services like job training, education, and relocation as alternatives

What action is being taken

Baltimore is implementing a Group Violence Reduction Strategy that combines targeted enforcement with service offerings including job training, education, and relocation
Birmingham Police Department is utilizing new technology through their Real Time Crime Center and deploying street outreach teams to prevent retaliatory shootings
New York City is executing strategies that have led to a 24% drop in shootings and 14% decline in murders
Los Angeles is running community safety programs that have contributed to a 45% reduction in gang-related killings in targeted areas
Atlanta is investing in hiring more officers while expanding At-Promise Centers that connect youth with educational and mental health resources

Why it matters

These improvements represent historic lows in violent crime for cities that have long struggled with safety issues
Police departments are solving more crimes, with Baltimore reporting a 64% homicide clearance rate and Birmingham achieving a 79% clearance rate
The success challenges negative stereotypes and media narratives about urban dysfunction under Black leadership
The evidence-based approaches demonstrate that talent, vision, and focused policy can transform communities regardless of a leader's race
These improvements directly save lives, with Mayor Scott noting that despite progress, "68 lives lost to violence is 68 too many"

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article, though Mayor Scott indicated a commitment to continuing the work, stating "our success makes me commit even further to doing it."

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint