Black girls in Los Angeles rally against rising homicide rates

The Guardian reported that Black women and girls account for a disproportionate share of homicide victims in Los Angeles. Frustrated by what they describe as police and legislative inaction, they are organizing and speaking out to curb the violence.

One of the young activists, Tioni Theus, grew up in South Los Angeles. As a child she enjoyed golf, dance and weekend trips to the movies and the mall with her older cousin. She often asked, “What are we doing next?” when heading home. Her life shifted dramatically at age 13 when her mother was struck by a car and left critically injured. While her mother recovered, Tioni stayed with other family members. Her cousin Nafeesah Kincy said the accident left Tioni angry.

The personal loss has fueled Tioni’s commitment to change. Along with other Black girls, she is demanding better protection and accountability from authorities, hoping to halt the cycle of killings that have plagued their community.

Why it matters

The movement seeks to address the disproportionate homicide rates affecting Black women and girls and to pressure officials to act on community safety.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

9 Nov 2026, 18:30 IST

Key names

LA, Tioni Theus, South Los Angeles, California

Section

World

Figure cited

Everything changed when Tioni was 13. (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianBlack girls in LA keep seeing women around them getting killed. They’re driving change 9 Nov, 18:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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