by Philip Smith – President NAG
USA – -(Ammoland.com)- I am going to try to talk about something that typically we don’t hear about unless we are with close friends or at home with family.
The issue is “Open Carry of Firearms” for African Americans.
I want to start off by saying this is not a discussion to determine the legality of Open Carry. That has been determined already by federal and state and local Courts. African Americans can Open Carry just like the rest of the public.
That is not the issue.
The real question is should you open carry, with all the issues that might happen because you have a gun on your hip in full public view?
There are two basic schools of thought or comments that you hear. I will tell you which side I fall on in just a bit. One school of thought is that you are entitled to the full rights as the rest of society.
If you want to Carry then it is within your rights to do so without persecution or harassment. As a friend told me on one occasion…”I can do what I want and I am not going to stop doing something because someone else may not like it or they feel uncomfortable”……Ok I got it ….It is your right and the 2nd Amendment guarantees that right. No argument here bro…..
The second school of thought is that if you “Open Carry” you put yourself in harms way with the public as an African American because you have a gun and it can be a big problem for some local law enforcement and the general public. It isn’t fair or right but that is the reality today.
Why put yourself in that type of problem when you can avoid it all together. [not to mention the tactical advantage, but I will leave that for a whole other debate.]
I personally mix it up. If I am in the city I will always conceal carry but if I am out hiking or in a really rural location I will “open carry”. Sometimes just the sight of a gun in the wilderness is enough. I understand the social realities that exist in 2016 and I adjust my attire as needed.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
About National African American Gun Association (NAAGA):
The goal of the National African American Gun Association is to have every african american introduced to firearm use for home protection, competitive shooting, and outdoor recreational activities. We are a civil rights organization focused on self preservation of our community through armed protection and community building. The National African American Gun Association provides a network for all african american firearm owners, gun clubs and outdoor enthusiasts. We welcome people of all religious, social, and racial perspectives. We especially welcome african american members of law enforcement and active/retired military.
For more information, visit: www.naaga.co.
Apparently “CWB” is the new “DWB”. The B isn’t just for Black, and in spite of a light complexion I belong to the other B. My family includes Chicano, Black, and Anglo members. Many , probably most, would not choose to open carry. Fear of harassment due to race should not be one of those reasons.
Tells you how far we have to go to achieve MLK’s dreams.
I never understood people who advocate for open carry. Why you want to announce that you’re carry a gun in Wal-Mart or in a recreational park?? Plus, if there are criminals or terrorists around you you’re the first they’re going to attack: you don’t know who they’re but they see you, and at least you have Jet Li fast response to a surprised’ s attack, you’re going down without a chance….and just because you wanted to show everyone around you that you’re carrying a gun…Stupid mistake in my eyes!!!!
Eaglenester said ” Individuals who CCW or open carry are the most law abiding people in the United States be they black, yellow, white.” I would strongly disagree with that opinion. The issue of open carry v conceal v not carrying is always up for debate and will usually always stir emotions. The idea of carrying a weapon daily for fear of anything shows the mental issues Americans have. Most ccw holders have zero training when it comes to real world firefight situations and zero training when it comes to successfully stopping a threat. A good guy with, trumps a… Read more »
As an NRA instructor, a licensed CCW participant and a black guy, I rarely open carry because I am convinced that the large majority of LEO’s do not like Americans exercising their God-given rights to self-defense, and law-abiding black guys doing so even less. They can kill us, essentially, with impunity as juries let them go 99.78% of the time. I might have been lawfully exercising my 2nd Amendment rights; but I’d still be dead. I work in the hi-tech Defense/Law Enforcement equipment industry so I know tons of cops(black & white) and they seem to struggle with the fact… Read more »
Carry the way you want. I carry my ID and my permit around my neck. Every time cops have questioned me, I give them over and I am on my way.
Google “The Racist Roots of Georgia Gun Laws.” It’s a very well written treatise on the early history of Jim Crowe laws.
Let’s address the core elephant in the room, unless “you” came from Africa and became “naturalized , you are not “African-American”, you are a Black American, or better yet just an American.
WITH <— start out loud) the media bias that has difficulty telling the real truth from one hour to the next open carry for ANYONE is presented by the media as a negative and insane thing. Why? Because of all the sensationalist media bias that portrays anyone who open carries a "bad guy". A "cowboy" a gunfigntin OK Corrallin member of the Unger gang. Doc Holliday is waitin around the corner and the Coroner is measurin every new guy ridin into town for a pine box. Why is it ANY DIFFERENT than Uncle Sam flashing all the weaponry to the… Read more »
I am not in favor of routing open carry. I think it takes away the tactical surprise of a concealed-carry holder when firearm use for protection is necessary. Many people who open-carry who are not law enforcement trained are an easy source for a bad guy to get a gun or another gun by taking theirs. Except on the range, unless the person is active military or law enforcement in uniform I feel the weapon should be concealed. Too many people would use open carry for “show,” which does somewhat intimidate many people.
This is a silly subject which fuels racial decides. I am surprised this stupid article was even posted on AmmoLand. They are apparently getting desperate for material so they throw some rhetoric like this together. AmmoLand, hire some real journalist. We have other real and true issues to deal with. Moving on…….