National African American Gun Association

The National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) is an organization which promotes gun ownership rights among African Americans in the United States. It has over 34,000 members, more than 75 chapters in the United States and has grown significantly in reaction to black deaths. Many were surprised by NAAGA's popularity including its founders. The organization was founded by Phillip Smith in 2015.[2][3]

"NAAGA" redirects here. For the 2003 Telugu action-thriller film, see Naaga.

National African American Gun Association
FoundedFebruary 28, 2015 (2015-02-28)
Membership
34,000+
Philip Smith
Vice President
Douglas Jefferson[1]
Websitenaaga.co

History

Philip Smith founded NAAGA in February 2015 in honor of Black History Month. His goal was to educated black Americans on gun usage and ownership. Organizers say NAAGA is a civil rights organization that "that aims to build community and promote self-protection". Smith founded NAAGA in response to perceived discrimination in the National Rifle Association (NRA), which has a history of prejudice against black Americans.[3]

From 2015 to 2020 the organization has grown to over 34,000 members, with 75 chapters, and is expected to open 25 more within the coming year. Membership first spiked when Donald Trump was elected President.[4] Smith attributed part of the growth to "a political climate where people with racist views feel emboldened to talk about and act on those views".[3]

The vice president for the Kansas City, Missouri chapter, Eric Sanders is certified in concealed carry and said "we have a large group that’s coming into the organization, and 60-70% are women now."[5]

After the shooting of Philando Castile, NAAGA immediately condemned the shooting while the NRA did not.[6]

References
  1. Newton, Creede (November 26, 2017). "Guns 'key' to African American equality: NAAGA". aljazeera.com. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  2. Scruggs, Lea (June 23, 2020). "The NRA for Black People Wants to Get Political". www.vice.com. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  3. Booker, Brakkton (July 10, 2019). "With A Growing Membership Since Trump, Black Gun Group Considers Getting Political". NPR.org. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  4. Young, Ryan (February 27, 2017). "African-American gun club says membership surged after Trump election". CNN. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  5. Summers, Zac (November 20, 2019). "Changing perceptions, KC group looks at gun ownership through eyes of black community". FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  6. "As NRA membership wanes, America's largest black gun group is thriving". cbsnews.com. September 11, 2019. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
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