MSU researcher examines grassroots solutions for Black homicide survivors

January 10, 2025 - Brandon Drain

One of the biggest crises that often goes unnoticed in the United States is the trauma and systemic inequities faced by survivors of homicide victims in predominantly Black communities, according to experts.

The Washington Post reports that, of the 54,868 homicides in 55 U.S. cities over the past 10 years, 50 percent did not result in an arrest and remain unsolved — with almost three-quarters of the victims in those cases being Black. This high rate of unsolved homicides in Black communities, combined with the racial disparity in solved vs. unsolved cases, has led to unrest and furthered the divide between the Black community and police.

Kendall Morris, an assistant professor at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work, along with Linda Sprague Martinez, takes a deep dive into how grassroots organizations can help leverage support from key stakeholders to raise awareness about the issues faced by Black survivors of homicide.

In their meta-analysis, they highlight the Women Survivors of Homicide Movement (WSOHM), a grassroots organization in Boston, MA, and how its efforts can serve as a model for social workers striving to create change on major social issues.

“Grassroots orgs can influence systemic changes because they are most often run by individuals who are very connected to the community,” Morris explained.

The WSOHM was founded in 2014 by a local community leader, Ms. Mary Franklin, whose passion for solving homicides is fueled by the tragic murder of her husband, Melvin Bernard Franklin, on October 15, 1996, in Dorchester, MA.

Since its inception, the organization has become a vital force in Boston, actively working to reshape how homicide cases are handled, improve community trust in law enforcement, and secure funding for essential survivor services.

WSOHM has also hosted multiple public vigils, marches, and forums aimed at raising awareness about unsolved murders and the systemic neglect of homicide survivors. The organization even successfully advocated for the creation of an official day dedicated to honoring and raising awareness of unsolved homicides in the area. The mayor of Boston declared October 15 as Homicide Awareness Day.

Morris and Martinez envision a world where social workers collaborate to build out similar infrastructure as the WSOHM.

“Social workers can partner with these organizations by connecting them to resources and forms of support, or providing it themselves if they are able,” said Morris. “They can also conduct community-based, empowered research to ensure more of the research and practitioner community is aware of the unique needs.”

One of the biggest points of emphasis Morris stresses is the importance of culturally competent clinical support in addressing the needs of survivors.

“For Black survivors, it is critically important that clinicians are aware of the historical, racial, and systemic backdrop in which Black survivors exist and are able to support them with that context in mind,” she said.

Morris is currently conducting a study examining the impact of homicide support grassroots organizations in Detroit, MI. Her vision is to improve the relationship between social work institutions and the criminal justice system to create a better, more cohesive partnership with the community and its stakeholders.

“I hope that stakeholders will become more aware of the issues that Black survivors face and the support that they need after having a loved one killed,” Morris said.