Black women and girls make up a disproportionate share of Los Angeles homicide victims, prompting community members to voice frustration over police and lawmakers’ perceived inaction. The story follows Tioni Theus, whose life shifted after her mother was critically injured in a car accident when Tioni was 13, leading her to confront new hardships and a sense of anger. As she navigates these challenges, Tioni and others in the community are mobilizing to demand change and reduce violence.
Black women and girls represent an outsized share of LA homicide victims – frustrated with police and legislators’ failures, they’re stepping up and speaking out to stop the violenceAs a child, Tioni Theus was a ball of energy. After school she liked to play golf and dance. On weekends, she’d go to the movies and the mall with her older cousin. Driving back home at the end of the day to her family’s apartment in South Los Angeles, California, she’d ask: “What are we doing next?”Everything changed when Tioni was 13. Her mother was hit by a car and critically injured, leaving her unable to take care of her daughter. While her mom recovered, Tioni lived with other family members. But the accident left Tioni angry, her older cousin Nafeesah Kincy said, and she struggled to understand that her life had permanently changed. Continue reading...
