Twenty year plus finding shows disparities within firearm possession in New York

From left to right: Jonathan Lightfoot, professor of teaching, learning and technology, Ibraheem Karaye and Veronica Lippencott, professor of global studies and geography discussing the found disparities within New York State. // Molly Botros / The Hofstra Chronicle.

Hofstra University’s Center for “Race,” Culture and Social Justice hosted Ibraheem Karaye, assistant professor of population health and director of health science, to discuss his research entitled "Black-White Disparity in Firearm Mortality in New York State: An Analysis of Temporal Trends from 1999 to 2020.” The event, taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 16, was moderated by Jonathan Lightfoot, professor of teaching, learning and technology and director of the center. The goal was to highlight the correlation between race and the likelihood of firearm mortality. 

Karaye set out to assess the burdens and trends of firearm mortality among non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites from 1999 to 2020 in New York. The data included epidemiological research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The burdens were denoted by the total mortality rates caused by firearms per 100,000 people. The trends illustrate the changes over time regarding mortality from firearms over the 22 years of data. 

The New York Safe Act, enacted in January, required an instant criminal background check before a firearm sale, significantly improving data results concerning firearm homicides, suicides and mortality. 

Karaye warned of the dangers of only focusing on aggregate values. While his research findings demonstrated overall firearm safety in New York compared to other states, these aggregated numbers did not illustrate the effects of firearms on different groups. 

“Are there still opportunities for improvement and intervention?” Karaye asked. To find the answer, he set out to analyze and disaggregate the data by race and ethnicity.

“Mortality from firearms is nearly three times higher for non-Hispanic Blacks than for non-Hispanic Whites,” Karaye said. 

When disaggregating the data further by age, the research revealed that among those less than 25 years old, firearm mortality was over seven times higher for non-Hispanic Blacks than for non-Hispanic Whites. For those ages 25 to 44, firearm mortality was over four times higher for non-Hispanic Blacks.

Karaye’s research also revealed that the leading cause of firearm death for non-Hispanic Whites is suicide.

“Eighty percent of firearm deaths in the United States are caused by suicide,” Karaye said. 

However, among non-Hispanic Blacks, homicide was found to be 17 times more likely to be found as the cause of death than non-Hispanic Whites. 

The causes for these disparities include living in impoverished neighborhoods, taking public transportation, unemployment and differing levels of education.

One of the findings that stood out to Karaye was that firearm mortality was 33% higher in 2018 among non-Hispanic Blacks, because of the opioid spike, which primarily targeted underprivileged communities and minorities. 

The Supreme Court has recently overturned New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, a gun safety law that was in effect for over a century, which required the license of those carrying concealed weapons.

Lightfoot reflected on the research presented by Karaye. He stated that the findings confirmed the racial disparity in firearm violence which has already been seen in the media. 

Stella Rose-Wyatt, a senior psychology major, was surprised to hear about the stark differences between non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks over time. 

“We hold an assumption in America where we talk about people being equal without practicing it,” Rose-Wyatt said. 

Karaye made clear that the aggregation of several policies often demonstrate significant declines in firearm mortality. To make firearm mortality results more equitable, legislation plays an important role in bridging disparities and controlling violence.