This Group of Black Gun Owners is Growing

CBS News reported on black gun owners opting to join a black-run gun group, the National African American Gun Association, instead of the high-profile NRA.

The right to own and carry a firearm for self-defense is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and law-abiding citizens, regardless of race, have a right to protect themselves with guns.

The country’s largest and best known gun rights association, the NRA, is losing board members amid a spate of deadly mass shootings. But another, lesser-known gun organization is thriving: the National African American Gun Association, the largest minority gun group in the country.

The group was founded by Phillip Smith, who fondly remembers the first time he fired his 9 mm pistol at a gun range.

“I felt free,” Smith said. “I had a chance to kind of have some power in my hands.”

There was a time when blacks were forbidden to own guns. That time is over.

Nezida Davis joined NAAGA to learn how to protect herself. She’s not alone: more than 60% of NAAGA members are black women.

“I’m usually looked at like I’m a Martian,” Davis said. “I mean, literally, if I come in and I get ready to go into the gun range, people are looking at me like, ‘Why is she here? Black women don’t shoot.’ But we shoot.”

After black churchgoers were targeted in Charleston and Mexicans were targeted in El Paso, members say they’re prepared to defend themselves.

Star Parker, founder and president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education, recently appeared on EWTN to talk about gun rights and mass shootings.

The Second Amendment exists to protect our First Amendment freedoms of religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition our government for redress. The majority of gun owners in America own guns to protect themselves from others intent on doing them harm, Star said — including the government.