The Second Amendment and the African Americans

This topic has many layers. It’s hard to go through all the pieces I have in my mind. I’d have to start with the fact that it was ratified in 1791 to protect the institution of slavery by using slave patrols or militias. In fact, Virginia wouldn’t sign the US Constitution without it. The original draft of the amendment placed this power under federal control instead of state control, which could have greatly impacted Southern states. How? There was the potential of freeing slaves that served in the Revolutionary War.

In Georgia laws were enacted in 1755 and 1757, which required all Plantation owners and their male employees join the Georgia militia. These armed militia members inspected the quarters of every slave throughout the state on a monthly basis and hundreds of slave revolts were squelched by slave patrols.

After the Civil War ended, laws to disarm Blacks via Black Codes (1865-1866) so Whites could control them. Groups like the KKK were created and terrorized Blacks without fear of consequences.

Now as we fast forward to the 1960's, an armed Black group marched to the California Capitol in a legal protest. As you might expect, they were arrested. As a result of this unprecedented show of defiance, The Mulford Act, also known as the “The Panther Bill” repealed a law that allowed public carrying of loaded firearms and resulted in the strictest gun laws in the country. In addition to the Black Panthers, Malcolm X encouraged Blacks to buy guns for the defense of themselves and communities. Even MLK Jr. applied to carry a gun, but was denied.

Today, it's estimated at less than 25% of Black Americans own guns and overall 80% of gun owners in the US are White, mostly men. It seems gun sales skyrocketed during Obama’s administration. Conversely, as a result of Trump's administration, gun sales by Blacks has increased significantly.

So I write all this just to express, that the basis on the second amendment is rooted in White Supremacy and even in this day and time, there is a double standard when it comes to Black Americans owning guns. Some people will just see this as yet another reason to fear Black people.