A Call to Action Against Gang Violence

In an impassioned address to members of the Hamilton Rotary Club, criminologist Frankco Harris emphasized the urgent need for Bermudians to confront the uncomfortable truths surrounding the island's persistent gang violence. Harris, who is deep into research on gang dynamics and youth violence in Bermuda, urged the community to take sincere action.

Support for Community Solutions

Highlighting the vital role of organizations like Transitional Community Services—a charity dedicated to supporting young adult men—Harris pointed out that addressing gang violence requires both financial and volunteer support. "It's not just about outreach; we need robust programming to create real change," he explained.

Learning from the Past

Reflecting on the situation, Harris noted that existing agencies are already mandated to tackle violence, yet there’s a pressing need to scale up efforts. "Looking back to the early 2000s, it's clear that our previous approaches haven't been effective enough," he stated. He stressed the importance of reevaluating the services necessary to combat this crisis.

Voices from Within

Harris called for those affected by violence to share their experiences. "As a social scientist, I ask: How do we know what we know? If we truly understand the situation, why aren’t we responding with the holistic support needed?" He underscored the crucial need for open dialogue and community engagement.

A Confrontation with Reality

Being a survivor of violence himself, Harris candidly shared his personal journey and how it has shaped his understanding of the issue. "Too many people discuss the gang crisis from a distance, not realizing the daily threats faced by those living in violent environments," he observed. His background as a marginalized Black man gives him a unique perspective on the community's complexities.

Authenticity in Action

Harris believes the real challenge lies in our society's struggle with authenticity. "We need to face our communal demons and genuinely engage with the anger and divisions that exist," he pointed out. This requires diving deep into self-examination before taking action.

Researching a Path Forward

Armed with a bachelor's in criminology and a master's in criminal justice, Harris is now pursuing his doctorate at Oxford University. His ongoing research, 'The Socio-spatial Dynamics of Gang Violence in Bermuda,' delves into the interconnectedness of structural inequality and social exclusion on small islands.

Centering Community Voices

Engaging with various stakeholders—including police officers and those formerly involved in violence—Harris plans to share key themes from his interviews as he wraps up his fieldwork. "This isn't about dictating solutions; it's about placing the voices of those most affected at the center of the conversation," he asserted.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Path Forward

Harris’s work serves not just as a research study, but as a crucial step toward authentic community healing. By facing the shadows together and fostering genuine dialogue, Bermuda can hope to break the cycle of gang violence once and for all.