Professional-gun group takes a stand in opposition to Georgia’s new gun regulation – WSB-TV Channel 2

ATLANTA — A pro-gun group has taken an unusual stance, speaking out against the governor’s constitutional carry bill.

The battle over gun laws continues in Georgia. Recently, Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican, signed legislation making it legal for most people to carry a concealed firearm without a license. Proponents say it protects the 2nd Amendment, but a pro-gun group said the law is dangerous.

“Our aim is to teach African Americans how to shoot, how to use a gun and how to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said Philip Smith of the National African American Gun Association.

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The organization has grown tremendously since its inception in 2015.

“We have about 45,000 members in 120 local chapters across the country. In Georgia, I’d say about 2,000 — a lot of people,” Smith said, adding that the number is still growing.

“To be honest, if we look at African Americans in the country, we don’t typically have a real exposure to firearms like other communities do,” he said.

Therefore, they make a point of educating and educating everyone about gun laws.

“We are big supporters of the 2nd Amendment. We’re trying to be very open about the conversation because obviously some people aren’t supporters of the 2nd Amendment,” Smith said.

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Smith said that while they believe in the right to promotion, they don’t wholeheartedly support the new law that Kemp signed into law. The Constitutional Carry Act allows most people to carry a gun without a permit.

Smith said he had concerns.

“My concern is that you will have many more people buying guns who are not trained in the details of the gun. That’s my biggest fear,” he said.

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Channel 2’s Larry Spruill asked Smith if he was concerned that more African Americans were becoming victims of gun violence.

“That’s always something or an element that we’re going to consider,” Smith said. “That’s something that’s always very close to our hearts as black men, as a black community, because we’re often the first to be hit by something. I will be watching very closely what is happening with our community.

Gov. Kemp released a statement about the new law, which reads in part, “SB 319 ensures law-abiding Georgians — including our daughters, as well as your family — can protect themselves without having to seek permission from the state government.”

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