For many African American gun owners, protecting themselves in public is one of the key motivators to conceal carry a gun. We want to have an extra level of public protection for ourselves and our families. Additionally, we prefer that not everyone knows we’re “packing” while running errands, shopping, or hanging out with the family.

I get why we want to be anonymous as I conceal carry too.   A firearm is the ultimate insurance policy if a dangerous circumstance arises. However, far too often, we rush to leave our homes and don’t realize until we are miles away that we’ve forgotten our weaponry. In many instances, gun owners refuse to go back to retrieve it.

The reason being, we haven’t fully developed a “Firearms Mindset and Habit,” which some call it a “Warrior’s Mindset.” Carrying your gun every time you leave the house should be like taking a breath.  The feeling should be similar to the way we think about our cell phones.  It too goes everywhere with us.  Everywhere!

A few small tips include placing notes around the house and developing a ritual to remind us to get your guns before  leaving. If you are consistent over time, you will begin to feel uncomfortable when not carrying a weapon on your person or in a vehicle. 

The main objective of a conceal carry habit is the desire to live and the universal morality of self – defense. Possessing a gun doesn’t guarantee safety but it at least provides us with a fighting chance to survive. 

In my opinion, having a conceal carry mindset means the following:

• I will protect myself and my family if necessary.

• I am my first line of defense and will obtain appropriate training for self-preservation.

• I will take gun ownership seriously and exercise safety when storing, cleaning, or discharging a firearm.