An ABC 11 story, “Raleigh leaders plan to vote on teen curfew next month as police chief cites ‘trend of violence’” by DeJuan Hoggard and Michael Perchick, explains that Raleigh city leaders are considering a new teen curfew following incidents of violence and large gatherings involving young people over the July 4th weekend. While no decision was made at an August 18 City Council work session, councilmembers discussed the proposal and are expected to vote next month.
For Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove, the proposed curfew raises serious concerns about who will bear the consequences of another policy that relies on policing and criminalization rather than addressing the conditions affecting young people and their families.
“We are putting a situation in place that is going to deeply penalize poor people, that is going to overcriminalize our children, in a way that in the city of Raleigh, especially, that disproportionately falls on the shoulders of Black children,” said Dawn Blagrove, Executive Director of Emancipate NC.
But Emancipate NC is urging leaders to look beyond policing as the primary response.
Policies that increase police interactions with young people can have consequences that extend far beyond a single night. When enforcement falls disproportionately on Black children, a policy intended to address public safety can instead deepen the racial disparities that already exist.
Young people deserve safety—but safety should not come at the cost of their freedom, dignity, or future.
Emancipate NC believes Raleigh should invest in solutions that support young people and families rather than expanding opportunities for their criminalization. That means listening to young people, parents, and communities most affected by violence and developing responses that address the root causes of harm.
As Raleigh considers its next steps, Emancipate NC will continue to push for approaches that protect communities without sacrificing the rights and futures of our children.