As of this moment it is estimated that there are about 14 million gun owners that are Black in the United States. That is a whole lot of Black folks with firearms and bullets. We have never seen this many of us with guns.

But even with that historic statistic, Black gun owners still have to deal with the reality of often being made “uncomfortable” when it comes to firearms ownership. In many instances, we still have to fight for the right just to buy a gun. Add to that the very fact that when we finally get a firearm, it is viewed by some that we are now part of the “problem” of gun violence in the Black community. There are those who believe that Black people shouldn’t ever get a gun to protect themselves because that implies we have a more sinister objective. This is the stigma that we have to continue to fight with education, discussion, and accurate messaging.

It is critical to make sure that you as a NAAGA member understand and educate yourself to know the difference between gun violence and gun rights. There is a big difference between the illegal use of guns that often leads to gun violence by criminals and you having the right to buy a gun as a law-abiding citizen. These two very different issues have nothing to do with each other. Don’t let anyone suggest to you or convince you that they are one and the same because they are not.

As Black gun owners we are constantly negotiating these realities which causes a lot of us to be uncomfortable, but with knowledge comes power. That is why learning laws, reading our history of Black arms, and exercising your rights within the 2nd Amendment is essential. Those members who I see and speak to who are confident, engaged, socially aware, and very comfortable with firearms are usually the same members who have done their homework. They understand the attempts by some to spread false perceptions, to mask reality, and to perpetuate the brainwashing of our community.

It is my belief that gun ownership–or the lack thereof–is the most important factor of our history in the United States for Black Americans, and it will be vital for our survival in the future. Just imagine if Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery had guns, or if every slave had a rifle, it would have changed our history. There would be no Black Wall Street being attacked, years of our men and women getting lynched, and most importantly, we would have control over our communities because we could defend them. When your community has guns you don’t have to negotiate or make compromises with those individuals, groups, or domestic terrorists that have evil intent. We simply can defend ourselves and stand our ground.

Becoming comfortable with firearms and understanding society’s view of African Americans is often an indicator of your knowledge. In a lot of conversations I see the direct connection. It is my hope that all NAAGA members become comfortable with firearms because that will mean you have taken the time to educate yourself as it relates to guns.