Experts with the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium (RGVRC) address different facets of firearm violence from a variety of perspectives and disciplines. In this new series, get to know our experts and learn more about their contributions to better understand, prevent, and respond to the public health crisis of firearm violence. Get to know Talib Hudson, a scholar with the RGVRC, founder of The New Hood, and director of strategic initiatives for the Black & Brown Collective for Community Solutions to Gun Violence.

Why do you study gun violence? Why is this an important area of research, and how do you see your work helping to address this issue?

I study gun violence because I want current and future generations of children to grow up in a world where they don’t fear being shot. This is an important area of research because there are real solutions to gun violence in underserved communities that do not receive the attention, respect, and understanding that they should. My work seeks to elevate the efforts, voices, perspectives, and experiences of people laboring to address gun violence—including its causes, consequences, and context—and promote solutions for a better world.

What is your research focus related to gun violence? What are you currently researching?

My research on gun violence focuses on community-based solutions, particularly in urban Black neighborhoods. I’m currently researching a few things: 1) what it means to have a policy agenda that focuses on community healing, 2) perspectives of individuals directly impacted by focused deterrence strategies, and 3) community-based violence prevention work in New York City.

What do you hope that people can take away from the research you are conducting?

I hope that people can take away from my research I’m conducting is that there are people in cities across the country working tirelessly to improve their communities. Some use well-known models, some rely more on their personal experience, but all of them are dedicated to something larger than themselves. And their work needs to be honored and respected.