Christian K. Lee, Aaron Banks Jr and Sr, Cedar Park, TX, from the series Armed Doesn’t Mean Dangerous, 2021

Armed Doesn’t Mean Dangerous
Christian K. Lee

In the United States Gun ownership is a constitutional right, however history shows us when African Americans assert these rights they are infringed upon. 

This fact was witnessed in 1967 with the introduction of the Mulford Act. It was a California bill that targeted members of the Black Panthers who were exercising their rights to open carry. 

In my hometown of Chicago, IL, USA, I routinely see negative portrayals of African Americans with guns: Black people there and in the rest of the country are associated with gangs and criminality, and guns are always deemed dangerous in their hands. But at home, I saw a positive, responsible side of firearms ownership: My father was an Army veteran and a police officer. I became a gun owner myself — one of the 24 percent of African Americans who report owning guns, according to Pew Research Center. They, like me, are comfortable exercising their Second Amendment rights.

The point of this series is to promote a more balanced archive of images of African Americans with firearms by showing responsible gun owners — those who use these weapons for sport, hobby and protection. I hope these photos bring that important point into focus.

AUDIO INTERVIEWS

Above: Aaron Banks Sr speaks about his first experience with a firearm

Above: Aaron Banks Sr addresses how the lack of gun ranges in minority communities leads to discrimination when they are forced to seek the information outside of their neighborhood.

 

Christian K. Lee, Damillah Lane, 26, is embraced by her daughtyer Skylar Lane, 8, as she holds her firearm outside of her home on Saturday, April 10, 2021 in Killeen, Tx. “Whenever my husband leaves I feel a need to protect my family,” Damillah said.

Christian K. Lee, Tylissa Frazier, 38, right, is embraced by her husband Kenneth Frazier, 35, outside of their home as they hold their fireamrs on Saturday, April 3, 2021 in Temple, Tx. “We get pulled over a lot so having a license will show that we are law abiding citizens,” Tylissa said.

Christian K. Lee, Brandon Antone, 37, stands outside of his apartment complex holding his firearm on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Antone started a Facebook group with nearly 2,000 members in the Austin area with the goal of creating a safe space for African Americans to talk about firearms. “I noticed when I go to the range it wasn’t a lot of us there so I wanted to create a place we could talk about guns,” he said.

Christian K. Lee, Jamyce Brown, 29, right, embraces her husband Keon Brown, 27, outside of their home on Sunday, April 18, 2021 in Killeen, Tx. “In my hometown introducing a child to a gun may be potentially setting them up for failure,” Chicago native Jamyce said.

Christian K. Lee, Marvin West, 39, holds his dog outside of his home with his firearm positioned on his hip on Monday, April 06, 2021 in Killeen, Tx. “It’s more to the picture than what you see,” West said. People often judge him based on his appearance. He mentions that those people would be surprised to know that he’s an educated business owner that holds a Masters degree.

Christian K. Lee, Brothers Dorian Black, 20, from left, and Ashton Black, 13, postures their firearm as Datrelle Black, 46, is embraced by his wife Rohonda Black, 44, outside of their home on Sunday, April 18, 2021 in Killeen, Tx. “For my children I take the curiosity out of it, total avoidance of guns teaches fear we should inform our children of gun safety,” Datrelle said

Christian K. Lee, Trina’ Duncan, 39, foreground, postures her pistol outside a local gun range after training with her pastor Andrew Long, 46, on Saturday, May 16, 2021 in Killeen, Tx. According to the Pew Research Center Women are less likely to own a firearm compared to Men. “I have been in moments that would not have occurred if I was a guy,” Duncan said.

Christian K. Lee, Lindberg Wilborn, 32, stands holding the target he used to qualify for his license to carry outside a local gun range on Saturday, March 27, 2021 in Killeen, TX. He has owned his firearm for about 3 months. “Society looks at black men as predators and scary people so most of us are scared to own a firearm in fear of fueling the fear that already exists,” Wilborn said.

Christian K. Lee, Ron Harris, 32, postures his firearm in his backyard on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in Killeen, Tx. “I own it to protect my family because I cant afford a loss,” Harris said.

Christian K. Lee, Aaron Banks, 38, and his son Aaron Banks Jr., 08, embrace at a local park on Saturday, May 22, 2021 in Cedar Park, Tx. “The image of the average gun enthusiast needs an update,” Mr Banks said. He is the President of Keep Firing LLC where he has made his son the CEO. Currently he is one of 24 Pistol Instructors certified by the National African American Gun Association.

Image courtesy of the artist.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Christian K. Lee

Christian K. Lee is a documentary photographer born in Chicago, IL. His background as a photojournalist drives his desire to utilize Art as an investigative tool. He believes that it can foster understanding where words fail.

His work has been honored by the Sony World Photography Awards, Critical Mass Top 50, Arnold Newman Prize, Royal Photographic Society, and Head On Photo Festival. His work has been commissioned and or licensed by Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and National Geographic.

His goal is to create Art with the purpose of reflecting the world in which he currently lives.

Website: christianklee.com
Instagram: @chrisklee_jpeg
Facebook: christian.f.lee
Twitter: chrisklee_jpeg