In fight to end violence against Black women and girls, Minnesota leads the charge
Thanks to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder for their exceptional three-part coverage of Minnesota’s leadership around Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. In the third part of the series published in November 2024, MSR editor Cynthia Moothart outlines the impact of the Missing & Murdered African American Women’s Task Force, including the role of Research in Action in making that task force process different than traditional state work groups…
“A majority of the task force were not Black women; it was filled with experts. We let them go to create a mirror council to guide the task force — the first time that was done,” said Dr. Brittany Lewis, founder and CEO of Research in Action. “[The state] knew it had to be done differently, and I’m glad they knew that. A council of Black women survivors leading the research shifted the dynamics.”
The task force’s work was immediately impactful. In addition to establishing the Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls office, the report received the Notable Document Award in the area of public safety last year from the National Conference of State Legislatures. And this month, the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice hosted an event in Washington to encourage a more robust and coordinated federal response to violence against Black women.
“It’s the first time a federal agency responded in any way,” Dr. Lewis said. “We’re honored to be part of the work.”