By: Maj Toure
It’s funny how people can be so quick to tell you what you shouldn’t do, especially when it doesn’t fit their idea of what’s “right” or “safe.” When I first started Black Guns Matter (BGM), the last thing I expected was the kind of pushback I received—especially when I said I wanted to bring our mission to cities that some folks would consider unconventional.
Let me take you back to a time when everyone around me said: “Don’t do it.” “You’ll never reach these people.” “This will backfire.” But I didn’t listen. And looking back, I know exactly why I didn’t.
When I first set out on this mission, the original idea was to go to cities like Baltimore, Chicago, and Compton to spread a message about the importance of the Second Amendment and liberty. But for many, those cities—especially with their left-leaning, anti-gun politics—were considered off-limits.
The pushback I got was wild. “You’re going to get yourself in trouble.” “Why go to a place that already has strict gun laws?” It seemed like everyone had an opinion, and they were all against it.
A key instructor who was supposed to travel with me to teach the courses in these cities backed out last minute. Why? He wasn’t comfortable going to these left-leaning cities to teach about gun safety. His response was, “It’s just not safe,” and he couldn’t be part of something that felt so… radical at the time.
But what I learned is when one door closes, another opens. You have to stay open to new ideas and possibilities when challenges pop up. And that’s exactly what happened. Instead of throwing in the towel, I adapted. I decided to reach out to local instructors who already lived in the cities we were going to. They knew the people, they understood the local culture, and most importantly, they could continue the work after I left.
This setup worked out even better than I expected. I was able to build relationships with people in the community and leave them with instructors who could carry the torch. That’s when things started to shift. People in those cities started to see us as a movement, not just another organization.
It wasn’t just about teaching people how to safely use firearms; it was about giving them a deeper understanding of their rights and helping them feel empowered. We weren’t just talking to them about guns. We were giving them the skills to defend themselves, learn conflict resolution, and feel capable in a world where the media was constantly telling them that they are being held back or don’t have the same rights as other Americans.
The message we decided to embody with Black Guns Matter is one of empowerment. If you want to show your support for this powerful movement, wear it on your chest. Check out our Black Guns Matter T-shirt, a symbol of freedom and standing up for your rights.
👉 Get your Black Guns Matter T-shirt here!
What happened next? The movement grew. Cities with strict gun control laws saw an increase in concealed carry licenses. Violent crime rates started to drop in my hometown of Philly when we concentrated our efforts there. And the people who initially resisted our presence were slowly won over by the message we were sharing. Fast forward, and we've been cited in a historic Supreme Court victory, featured on the Showtime Network, and appeared on the cover of Recoil Magazine—and that's just naming a few.
The point I’m making here is this: When you’re on the path to something meaningful, don’t let anyone’s fear or doubts stop you. Sometimes, the road less traveled is exactly where you need to go. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when it goes against the grain.
If you have a vision and a purpose, you can’t let conventional wisdom or the opinions of others dictate your actions. You’ve got to take risks, make bold decisions, and stick to what you believe is right.
When I brought BGM to these cities, I wasn’t just bringing a message about gun rights. I was bringing the opportunity for people to reclaim their power, take control of their safety, and educate themselves in a way they never thought possible.
And that’s what this movement is about: choosing solutions over fear. Fear will hold you back, but solutions will move you forward. If you're ready to stand strong with the message that fear doesn't control us, you can rep it loud and proud. Check out our Solutions Over Fear T-shirt to show that you’re committed to making change, not cowering from the challenges ahead.
👉 Grab your Solutions Over Fear T-shirt here!
If I can do it in these cities, you can take on your own obstacles and push through whatever holds you back.
Don’t be afraid to stand by your purpose. If it’s real, if it’s something you’re passionate about, you’ll find a way to make it work—no matter what the naysayers say. Keep pushing.
Maj Toure
Founder, Black Guns Matter