Fragmented families, and the impact on crime in the black community

Data shows fragmented families are a growing problem across all demographics. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us all to “be the example” and courageously reject the transformation of cultural norms that devalue the nuclear family and the importance of present and responsible fathers. Continuing to wish away or ignore fragmented families and the consequential harm they inflict in our communities harms our collective futures.

Nowhere is the problem of fragmented families felt more than in the black community.

The devastating connection between fragmented families and crime is most striking in the black community, and the data is clear. While significant disproportions exist between black and white intact families, there are correspondingly significant disproportions in criminal offending, whereby black Minnesotans commit crime at rates that are grossly disproportionate to their percentage of the general population.

Unless we begin to have forthright discussions that bring about policy and cultural changes, the very communities most affected by fragmented families will continue to deteriorate and struggle disproportionately. 

Read more about this issue in our article entitled “Father(less) Figures” as it appeared in the summer issue of Thinking Minnesota.