Standing as My Own First Responder: My First Rally with Women for Gun Rights

Standing as My Own First Responder: My First Rally with Women for Gun Rights

Yesterday, June 22, 2025, I stood on the lawn in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., my heart racing and my voice strong, as a Black woman from Newark, New Jersey, and the proud founder of NaturallyArmed. It was my first time at a rally, and what an honor it was to be selected by Women for Gun Rights New Jersey Director Theresa Inacker as a delegate to represent our state. As the final speaker at the Women for Gun Rights Fly-In rally, I carried a profound responsibility—not just for myself, but for all the women of color who couldn’t be there, whose voices are too often silenced by systemic barriers.

The rally was a powerful gathering of women united to defend our Second Amendment rights, and for me, it was a historic moment to amplify the mission of NaturallyArmed: empowering Black women and underserved communities through 2A education and self-defense. When I took the microphone as the last speaker, I felt the weight of every woman of color who faces obstacles to their right to protect themselves. I was there to speak truth to power, to call out the systemic racism baked into gun control laws that disproportionately harm Black communities, especially in New Jersey.

In my speech, I zeroed in on a stark injustice: Black people in New Jersey are denied concealed carry licenses at a rate ten times higher than any other group. This isn’t just a policy failure—it’s a racist system designed to disarm us, leaving Black women vulnerable while claiming to promote safety. “This cannot stand,” I declared. “As the founder of NaturallyArmed, I stand with Women for Gun Rights to fight for our God-given right to self-defense, free from discriminatory barriers.” The crowd’s energy was electric, their cheers echoing my resolve to keep pushing forward.

I closed my speech with a call-and-response that reverberated across the Capitol lawn: “I deserve to be protected!” I shouted, and the crowd roared back, “You deserve to be protected!” Together, we affirmed, “We deserve to be protected! 2A for all!” As I walked off the stage, head high, I knew I’d poured my heart into representing every woman of color who couldn’t stand with us. I am my own first responder, and through NaturallyArmed, I’m committed to ensuring every Black woman can claim that power.

Being chosen as a New Jersey delegate by Theresa Inacker was a privilege I’ll never forget. Women for Gun Rights is a movement of fierce women who refuse to be disarmed, and as the founder of NaturallyArmed, I’m proud to align with their mission. In Newark, I’ve seen how gun control fails those who need protection most, perpetuating a legacy of control that dates back to laws disarming Black Americans after Reconstruction. My work with NaturallyArmed is about breaking those chains, educating my community, and empowering Black women to embrace their 2A rights.

Yesterday’s rally wasn’t just a first for me—it was a spark for change. As the founder of NaturallyArmed, I’m more determined than ever to fight racist gun control, uplift women of color, and ensure we all know we are our own first responders. To every woman who couldn’t be there, I spoke for you. To those who stood with me, thank you for amplifying our voices. And to the system that denies us? NaturallyArmed and Women for Gun Rights are coming for justice.

2A for all. We deserve to be protected.