The Role of Black Clergy in Deescalating Conflict and Reducing Interpersonal Violence

We conducted interviews with activist black clergy to document the motivations for and mechanisms through which ministers became involved in efforts to reduce street violence, the varied methods through which ministers develop strategic coalitions and manage violence reduction initiatives, and the ways ministers address the complex challenges involved in doing this work. Study findings suggest that black churches can help mobilize a coordinated effort to address urban youth violence.