5 Powerful Reasons I Chose Gun Ownership

We all have our reasons for making certain decisions in life. For me, becoming a gun owner wasn’t about following trends or jumping on a bandwagon—it was a deeply personal choice shaped by my experiences and beliefs about the Second Amendment and the sanctity of life. If you’re considering gun ownership, here are five reasons why I made that decision:

1. I Deserve the Right to Life

After a scary road rage incident that could have turned violent, I was faced with an immediate threat for the first time. The fear I felt in that moment, and my desire to never feel that vulnerable again, led me to realize the importance of being able to protect myself. At the end of the day, we all have one life to live, and I believe we deserve the right to protect it. Life is precious, and I’ve learned that protecting it is the ultimate way to truly honor its worth. Owning a firearm and training to defend my life is my way of doing everything in my power to preserve that right—without depending on anyone else to defend me.

2. There’s No Guarantee the Police Will Get There in Time

As much as we like to think we can rely on law enforcement, the reality is there’s no guarantee they’ll get to you in time when things go wrong. There’s a saying: "When seconds count, the police are minutes away." On average, it takes police about 8 minutes to respond, while crimes like robberies and assaults can unfold in seconds. I can’t leave something as important as my life to chance. In an emergency, I can’t wait around hoping someone else will step up to defend me. I’ve chosen to be my own first responder.

3. Offenders Fear Swift Consequences More Than Prison

Studies have shown that criminals fear swift consequences far more than the thought of prison. They prey on easy targets, and if they sense you can defend yourself, they’re less likely to choose you. When I made the decision to own a gun, I understood it as a powerful tool to defend myself from those who would do me harm. Being prepared means no longer being an easy target.

4. I Have a Responsibility to Protect My Loved Ones

It’s not just about me—it’s about my family and friends. I have a responsibility to protect them, just as I would want them to protect me. Owning a gun is a part of my commitment to keeping them safe. Whether I’m at home, running errands, or traveling, I want to be able to stand up and protect those I love without hesitation.

5. Honoring the Historical Relevance of Gun Ownership

Gun ownership isn’t just a modern-day right. The Second Amendment holds a rich and complex history, particularly for Black Americans. For centuries, Black men and women were denied their right to self-defense, leaving them vulnerable to oppression and violence. Owning a firearm today represents much more than personal defense; it’s a reclamation of a right that was once denied to so many who came before us. It’s about honoring their struggle for freedom and justice. By owning a gun, I’m taking full advantage of the rights that were fought for—rights that remain just as relevant today as they were back then.

Want to learn more about this powerful history? Check out my 28 Days of Black History GUN Facts Docuseries, where I dive into the incredible struggles, triumphs, and lessons from the past that shape our right to bear arms today.

Conclusion

Gun ownership is a personal decision that goes beyond the right to bear arms—it's about protection, responsibility, and understanding the history that shaped our freedoms. Whatever your reasons are, know that it's your right to make an informed decision. Be educated, be prepared, and take control of your own safety.