The Evolving Presence Of Blacks In The Firearms Industry

In recent years, a notable shift has occurred within the firearms industry: the growing involvement of Blacks, particularly women, who are entering the realm of gun ownership and the firearms business. This transformation challenges long-held stereotypes and invites a critical conversation about gun rights, self-defense, and empowerment in the context of a community historically marginalized in these discussions.

Craig DeLuz

Brandon Broussard 27, of Roseville is the founder of CaliArms.org, a California-based firearms forum where one can legally purchase, sell, trade and discuss firearms with other gun enthusiasts. He believes that the essence of the new trend is self-defense. “It’s the ability to protect yourself, your property, and your family,” he says.

As he works to expand his network within the industry, he sees the transformation in perceptions, noting that many still cling to outdated ideas of gun owners being primarily older white men. Broussard encourages Blacks interested in firearms to engage with the community.

“You’ll be surprised how welcoming people are,” he says.

The growing movement within the Black community to embrace gun ownership speaks to a broader understanding of personal safety and rights, emphasizing that self-defense transcends cultural boundaries.

“I realized knowing where I came from, how many people didn’t know about guns and didn’t realize that guns are more useful than just crime,” says Gerren Taylor, owner of Zink Arms in Baltimore. Taylor is a former EMT and military contractor who now passionately advocates for firearms education.

At events like the annual Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade Show (aka SHOT Show), Taylor has observed a growing diversity in the community. “There’s more cultures here than nearly anybody would ever expect,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of firearms education, particularly in marginalized communities, noting that “miseducation and undereducation is the number one reason for any kind of death in the community.”

Taylor’s commitment to changing perceptions around firearms for Blacks is fueled by the belief that the Second Amendment applies to everyone. “The Second Amendment implies that anybody that’s a citizen … fought for us to have all the rights possible, including the Second Amendment.”  His work aims to foster discussions that tackle socioeconomic issues that contribute to violence, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the challenges within his community.

Patrick Collins 43, a seasoned firearms instructor in Atlanta and owner of The Gun Food, highlights an essential point: gun violence is not merely a symptom of gun ownership, particularly in Black communities. Instead, he argues, the larger issues stem from socioeconomic factors and the cultural devaluation of life that contribute to violence. “When it comes to confronting gun violence, we cannot merely point fingers at firearms as the sole culprit,” Collins asserts. “We need to foster a culture of valuing life and meaningful conflict resolution.”

These sentiments echo loudly among a burgeoning community of Black gun owners, particularly women, who are redefining what it means to be part of the firearms conversation. Ashley Noel Pruitt, a firearms trainer from Las Vegas, detailed her journey from being apprehensive about guns to recognizing them as crucial tools for personal safety. “I’ve come from a place of fear to one where I can teach others about firearm safety. Understanding guns is about developing a healthy respect for them rather than fear,” she says.

This notion of empowerment through education and responsible gun ownership is a recurring theme. With an increasing number of Black women stepping into ownership and training roles, there is reason to believe the firearms culture can evolve towards inclusivity, fostering a safer environment for all. “Historically, Black women were not seen as gun owners, yet we ranked number one in fear of becoming victims of gun violence,” Pruitt notably emphasizes. “This disparity is changing, and it’s vital for our community.”

As the conversation unfolds, it’s pivotal to address the perceived link between gun ownership in Black communities and gun violence. “When the narrative shifts to view guns as tools for self-defense instead of instruments of violence, we create a more robust dialogue,” Brossard says. “Most gun violence is committed with illegal weapons, so increasing restrictions on legal owners only disarms those who abide by the law.”

The firearms industry has much to gain from the diverse perspectives that Black Americans bring to it. Amber Johnson, founder of Georgia-based Gayle’s Futuristic Fire, transitioned from a casual shooter to a firearms industry professional. She describes overcoming misconceptions in spaces where gun ownership among women of color is often marginalized. “When people see a Black woman in the industry, there’s often surprise,” she remarks. “But we need to be visible, not just as gun owners, but as experts and advocates.”

The growth of organizations and community groups aimed at fostering education and support for Black gun owners is critical in this evolution. From training programs focused on proper firearms handling, to advocacy work aimed at preserving individual rights, there is a collective push towards normalization and reassurance within the Black community.

As individuals such as Collins, Pruitt, Johnson, Taylor and Broussard continue to share experiences and insights, the underlying message resonates: empowerment through self-defense, education, and community engagement is vital in reshaping the narrative around firearms ownership. Gun rights belong to everyone – irrespective of race or gender – and it is the responsibility of the broader community to uplift these voices, ensuring every individual feels equipped and empowered to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Encouragingly, the growing involvement of Black Americans in the firearms industry signifies a step towards dismantling stereotypes and fostering empowerment. As this community continues to flourish, it is poised to not only advocate for their rights, but also to change the conversation surrounding firearms in America – to one rooted in education, safety, and, ultimately, empowerment for all.

Project 21 Ambassador Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy. He currently hosts a daily news and commentary show called “The RUNDOWN.” You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz. This was first published at The Sacramento Observer.