Opinion by Philip Smith, President NAAGA
USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- As African American Firearm Owners we work hard, raise our kids, love our families, and be good citizens. Historically we have believed in the Dream of America even when we faced the social realities of Slavery, Jim Crow, and deep Institutional racism. Currently, the reality of Police shootings in our community has been another challenge to this Dream and in many cases has turned into a nightmare for many African Americans nationwide.
We have recently seen several innocent African Americans shot while at home by Police Officers. This is a terribly alarming trend.
To be fair and balanced I understand that the police are normal people trying to do a very difficult job under incredibly difficult circumstances. I think everyone understands that. Most of us could not do it. We respect and applaud those law-abiding officers who do the job the way it is supposed to. I have several officers who are close friends. We even have hundreds of Police Officers who are active and vocal NAAGA members. Those are all good things. But what is not acceptable is to have African Americans at home resting peaceably and being murdered. This must stop and can’t continue. There is no excuse that I will accept how another member of my community was shot and killed.
The latest victim is Atatiana Koquice Jefferson, 28, Fort Worth, Texas who was killed in her bedroom at home 2:30 am in the morning when her neighbor saw her front door open and called the police on a non-emergency police number for a “Wellness Check” just so they can check on her to see if she was ok. She was worried.
When the police arrive at the home an officer, after seeing someone through the window of the home, drew his weapon and fired one shot, killing the woman. According to Forth Worth Police Department body camera footage – ” Within seconds of walking through the gate, the officer peers through a window, where he presumably sees a person. He quickly raises his flashlight in one hand, gun in another. “Put your hands up, show me your hands,” he shouts before firing a shot — all in less than four seconds.
This can’t continue and other shootings like this must stop, we have to do something collectively as people immediately! We need to start this discussion for developing a solution among ourselves, Law enforcement, review of training protocol of officers, and removing those Officers from the Police who can’t or won’t “Protect & Serve”. The intent of this editorial isn’t to attack anyone or group but to find a solution to this issue with no apologies. If this makes some reading this editorial uncomfortable or not in agreement that is ok because at NAAGA we are all family and sometimes family members don’t agree but we still respect each other. So let’s all roll up our sleeves and start doing the difficult work of finding some results that work…..
If we don’t our next generation will be eliminated and suffer.
Please send comments and/or suggestions to President@naaga.co
National African American Gun Association Convention – August 14, 15, & 16 – 2020!
NAAGA’s Inaugural Convention is 10 Months Away …..
This will be a historic event for the first time in the United States an African American Firearms Organization will
have a Convention to discuss Firearms, 2nd Amendment issues, Open debate Gun Control vs Gun Rights, Legal Panel, Black Women Firearms Session, History of Black Arms Presentation, Gun Vendors, and Firearm Fashion show.
You can be a part of History or you can read about History the choice is yours!
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.