Why These Black Individuals Choose to Own Guns

In recent years, discussions around gun ownership have expanded to include diverse perspectives, particularly from within the Black community. Responsible gun ownership is not just about possession; it’s about education, training, and understanding the legal landscape. Marcus Weldon, Murner R. Hilliard Jr., and Jacquiline Rigard exemplify dedicated Black gun owners focused on self-protection, safety, and community advocacy.

Craig DeLuz

Marcus Weldon, 36, who grew up in Detroit, got a gun to protect himself. After recognizing the potential threats to personal safety, he engaged in basic firearm safety courses and advanced defensive training, training he put to good use one winter night.

Weldon, also known as the “Santa Shooter,” was acquitted of assault and gun charges stemming from a shooting at a gas station in downtown Detroit. The 2014 shooting occurred after Weldon came to the aide of a female co-worker who was engaged in an argument with two other men. Weldon was dressed as Santa Claus at the time of the incident.

Today, he practices regularly, committing to dry-fire sessions at home each week and monthly visits to the range.

“My journey into gun ownership was marked by a strong desire for self-defense,” he explains, revealing the seriousness with which he approaches the responsibility of firearm possession.

Murner R. Hilliard Jr., a deaf 49-year-old Sacramento native, echoes the sentiment of prioritizing family protection. Having been raised in a military household, he was well acquainted with firearms from an early age.

“My father was … an MP,” Hilliard recalls. “He always took me hunting, so I was always around firearms. I learned a lot from him.”

Changes in Hilliard’s personal life and society around him led him to become a gun owner. “After my divorce in 2008, I noticed the world was changing and crime was going up. I was a single father and I was worried about my kids and their safety,” he says.

His commitment to ongoing education showcases his dedication; he regularly participates in range training drills facilitated by a firearm instructor.

Jacquiline Rigard of Elk Grove, who spent her childhood learning to hunt with her father, emphasizes the integral relationship between understanding firearms and responsibility. “Education is key,” she says, recalling her journey from hunting to personal protection.

“I have always been a firm believer in the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms,” Rigard, 71, continues. “I believe in my right to protect my home, my property. I have seen multiple news stories where there’s home invasions and people being attacked.

“The more I have begun to age and now that my husband has transitioned to heaven, I am many times alone and feel the need for added protection of having a gun for my safety.”

Her membership with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is part of her ongoing commitment to safety and knowledge.

Overcoming Misconceptions

Misconceptions persist about gun ownership – especially regarding race. Weldon has encountered the stereotype that Black individuals who own guns are reckless or criminal. He confronts these assumptions through personal narratives, such as his experiences with self-defense and the Santa Shooter event.

“Not all Black people are the same,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of individual stories and backgrounds. “Addressing these [misconceptions] often involves me sharing my personal experiences and my self-defense story.”

Hilliard also challenges the notion that Blacks do not responsibly own firearms. “There’s a misconception that deaf people should not own guns. Being Black and also being deaf, I have experienced this firsthand. Deaf people are not broken or dumb,” he says, underscoring the need for empathy and understanding in discussions about gun ownership.

Rigard confronts the pervasive belief that guns are inherently problematic. She firmly believes it’s how individuals handle guns that poses the issue. “Bad guys will always find ways to get guns,” she argues, reinforcing the need for responsible ownership and self-regulation. She also views the impact of societal narratives, particularly from mainstream media, as critical in shaping public perception. “The media spreads fear and contempt regarding guns,” she notes. However, she believes in the importance of responsible vetting and background checks to ensure safety within the community.

Firearm Safety: The Importance Of Community And Training

Most knowledgeable gun owners agree with what are known as the four primary rules for gun safety:

• Always keep firearm pointed in a safe direction.
• Treat all guns as though they are loaded.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

Following these for simple rules goes a long way in preventing most firearm accidents. But these represent just the basics of gun safety. The sense of community also plays a pivotal role in responsible gun ownership. For Weldon, local gun clubs and training groups foster a culture of education, safety, and mentorship. Through these relationships, he not only can maintain his skills, but also keep up on changes in the law relating to firearms and use of force.

Hilliard encourages finding circles of responsible gun owners while emphasizing that one irresponsible gun owner can tarnish the reputation of many. “There are many gun clubs and training groups out there. You just have to look around, talk to others, and ask questions,” he says. “It starts with you, being a responsible gun owner and finding your circle of other responsible gun owners to connect with.

“I definitely don’t like governmental overreach. The Constitution clearly states, ‘the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed,” Rigard notes. “I also believe, however, with the growth and spread of mental health conditions within our country and state, wisdom needs to be exercised in ‘who’ can own guns. So proper vetting does need to be done. Background checks need to be done.”

Education remains fundamental for these individuals. Weldon recommends his book, “The Story of the Santa Shooter: Guilty Until Proven Innocent,” to provide insight into the aftermath of self-defense incidents. Hilliard emphasizes finding an NRA instructor for new gun owners to get hands-on training. Rigard supports using USCCA resources while noting the wealth of information available online.

The journeys of Hilliard, Rigard and Weldon underscore that responsible gun ownership extends beyond legal rights; it entails a profound commitment to safety, education, and community responsibility. While facing stereotypes and misconceptions, they forge paths of empowerment, illustrating that the essence of gun ownership lies within respect, preparedness, and the capacity to protect oneself and loved ones in an often unpredictable world. As the narrative of Black gun ownership evolves, these stories shine a light on the importance of balanced and informed discussions surrounding firearms in America.

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.