The Black Power of Guns

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."  - (U.S. Const. amend. II)What has the second amendment meant for and to Black people in America? Professor Akinyele Umoja gives us the history and context of the Black power of guns. #SistaToWatch Shetamia Taylor shares how her relationship with guns changed after a tragedy and Maj Toure shares how Black Guns Matter is bringing firearm safety to Black communities.

Show Guests

Akinyele Umoja is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of African-American Studies at Georgia State University where he teaches courses on the history of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements and other black political and social movements. He is the author of “We Will Shoot Back: Armed Resistance and the Mississippi Freedom Movement” . “It was very much a part of our traditions and culture to be able to have a capacity to defend ourselves and protect ourselves” ~ Prof. Akinyele Umoja

Shetamia Taylor didn't consider herself an activist when she showed up to a Black Lives Matter protest on July 7th 2016 with her sons. That protest in Dallas ended with gunfire and Shetamia herself was shot. Since then, after healing from her physical wounds Shetamia has continued to use her voice for change. she has worked as a campaign canvass manager with Texas Organizing Project and is even considering a run for public office. “Sitting on my hands was just not something I could do any longer...to just in any shape form or fashion help to open the mindset of my people, my black community, my brown community and including law enforcement because they’re my people too” ~ Shetamia Taylor“

Maj Toure was compelled to create the grassroots organization Black Guns Matter in 2015 after traveling across the country as a musician hearing stories over and over of Black people facing gun charges or having gun rights revoked due to not being educated to the rules of gun ownership. Black Guns Matter brings trainers to urban areas to educate citizens of all races and genders on gun ownership, use and safety.

On L. Joy's Book Shelf

Our reference text for this episode was Prof. Akinyele Umoja's book "We Will Shoot Back: Armed Resistance in the Mississippi Freedom Movement". Grab a copy and learn more of the history that armed resistance played in the civil rights movement and if you have a book club or students of your own, check out this discussion guide.