Today we’d like to introduce you to Colin Mapp.
Colin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in South Jamaica (Queens), New York during the early 1980’s. Unfortunately, those years also saw the influx of drugs into communities, devaluation of inner-city properties, defunding of schools and resulting violent crimes. In my household, the environment was very education and success driven. Outside of our home the environment was very survival driven. My first introduction to guns was with friends in my neighborhood who had access to firearms and we used them for protection. New York was and still is a restrictive gun law state for law-abiding citizens. Guns were one of the means we used for self-protection from common criminals. I received my formal firearms training in the United States Marine Corps. I developed a fascination with the mechanics of firearms, marksmanship and the pure fun of letting lead fly downrange! My service weapons were the Beretta M9A1 semi-automatic pistol, M16A2 Combat Rifle (Every Marine is a Rifleman) and the M249SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon).
It’s been 30 years since my Marine Corps Service, and I now reside in Georgia. Where I can freely exercise my 2nd Amendment and human rights to self-defense bearing arms! If it’s ok for me to defend my country with my life, then it should make sense that I be equally able to defend my family with my life. In 2016, after moving to Georgia I Googled “Black Gun Clubs” and found the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA). I attended my 1st meeting in December of 2016 and joined in January of 2017. It was a no brainer! I found a family of like-minded gun owners and 2A supporters who looked like me, had similar experiences as I had, and have the same love of their community that I have. I was asked to lead the Bass Reeves Gun Club, which is the Founding and Atlanta chapter of NAAGA, and became the Chapter President in May 2017. It’s been a pleasure working with such a sharp, enthusiastic, down for the cause chapter of NAAGA members! The future and potential of our chapter is outstanding!
Today, firearms for me are used for self-defense, marksmanship, competition and as a teaching tool. I also see firearms for their historic place as a tool for defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness not only for African Americans but all citizens of the United States. As I began to study the historical relevance of firearms to the founding and preservation of civil rights in the United States, I found that there is rich legacy of firearms in the African American community. I recognized that this proud history has been grossly overlooked, however, necessary to be taught.
Since becoming the President of the Bass Reeves Gun Club, I’ve worked collaboratively with a dedicated team of active members (which now number 300+) to deliver classes in firearms safety, basic marksmanship and legal responsibility with firearms as a public service to the community. We have educated over 300 women, through our monthly Ladies Day Out event, in aspects of personal safety and basic marksmanship, provided over 1,000 Atlantans with an education in the unique experience African American have had with firearms in this country in securing human and civil rights, and we have made available training opportunities for involvement in recreational and the competitive shooting sports through the Bass Reeves Competitive Team.
Above all the Bass Reeves Gun Club and The National African American Gun Association are ambassadors of firearms safety and the legal and ethical use of firearms. In January 2019, we were granted 501(C)3 non-profit status in the State of Georgia. Through our combined efforts we will continue to increase public knowledge and practice of firearms safety, and in turn, decrease incidents of negligent discharges of firearms in our communities. We will continue to point members and non-members alike to resources for becoming legal, ethical and responsible firearms owners.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a relatively smooth road so far. It seems that there has always been a need for a structured organization where firearms education and coaching could be received by firearms owners in Atlanta, outside of the local gun ranges. Our general meetings, open to the public, typically host 50 – 60 attendees half of which are usually new members that find us through the Meet Up app, our Chapter Website or Chapter Instagram account.
One of our challenges is changing the negative view generally held by the media, the public and even the African American community itself of the black man, woman and youth with a firearm. My leadership insists that the Bass Reeves Gun Club not only provides a non-judgmental and supportive environment for all firearms owners regardless of skill level, but we must also strive, in every encounter, to leave a positive impression as to what a responsible firearms owner looks like and how they conducts themselves.
Please tell us about Bass Reeves Gun Club.
BASS REEVES GUN CLUB, INC. is the metro-Atlanta and founding chapter of the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA), which was established by Philip Smith, NAAGA National President.
BRGC, INC. is a pro-2nd Amendment community of responsibly armed citizens. We take pride in learning and sharing our knowledge within the community to promote firearms safety, proficiency and the shooting sports.
We have been around since 2015 and are continuously building towards our highest potential. We welcome all levels of gun owners, from those who are very new to firearms to our seasoned members licensed for concealed carry, or those who have served in law enforcement or the military.
Our Chapter was named after a historic figure in the black tradition of arms, Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves.
Bass Reeves was the first black Deputy U.S. Marshal in all of the Western territories. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. During his long career, he was credited with arresting more than 3,000 felons. He shot and killed 14 outlaws in self-defense.
Reeves worked for 32 years as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory and became one of the most valued deputies. Bass Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous criminals of the time but was never wounded. In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. He had great respect for the law and cherished his rights as a free man. Our organization has taken the words from his obituary as our motto. It read he was… “fearless, knowing no master but duty!”
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Midtown Atlanta and surrounding areas are a great place for our organizational growth. It’s centrally located and has many supportive businesses, like Stoddard’s Range and Guns and venues in the area for getting together for social events. There is a lot of growth occurring in Midtown, including residential growth. It will be an exciting location for building a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bassreevesgc.com
- Phone: 470-285-4841
- Email: info@bassreevesgc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bassreevesgc
Image Credit:
Ron Witherspoon Photography
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