Sharpshooter | CALIBR Magazine Edition

CALI BR M AGAZI NE EDI T I O N

JOIN THE COMMUNITY FOR CALIBR ALL ACCESS

GET CALIBR MAGAZINE

YOU’RE INVITED | SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH

VIRTUAL BLOCK PARTY

SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH | ATLANTA, GA STODDARD’S RANGE & GUNS 1 PM EST

IN-PERSON KICKOFF

ENTER TO WIN UP TO $1000 & $2500 IN PRIZES

SWAGGA LIKE US & LIP SYNC BATTLE

4, 6, & 8 PM | SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH

MIX[er] SESSIONS

REWARDS | UP TO $5000 EXPERIENCE

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

JUST THE FAQs

THE ONLY OPINION THAT MATTERS

THE WORD IS OUT

THE MAGAZINE FOR BLACK LIFE & PROTECTION

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INTRODUCING CALIBR Magazine

N A AGA ’S O F F IC IA L NEWSL ETTER

I think when you have a great idea, combined with great folks, combined with a lot of energy and passion, that’s a powerful formula for success.

Philip Smith

Founder & National President, NAAGA Editor, CALIBR Magazine PHOTO CREDIT: CALIBR Magazine premiere issue cover and Philip Smith Videography RON WITHERSPOON PHOTOGRAPHY COVER PHOTO CAPTION: Philip Smith with social media influencers @mrstacticalkarl and @tactical_karl at the 2022 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. | PHOTO BY CALIBR MAGAZINE

We all have a human need for connection, meaning, and belonging.

That’s natural. Whether shouting out your area code, rocking your colors, or cherishing your DNA results and ancestry, community defines us and how we move through the world.

Starting a quarterly magazine has been on the list for a while, but after seven years as an organization, the National African American Gun Association has launched CALIBR, the magazine for Black life & protection.

The beautiful thing is that it’s not just a magazine for current NAAGA members, CALIBR is all about the firearms lifestyle for AfricanAmericans. It’s a Community. Joining CALIBR Community means that we can connect with each other and many, many, many thousands of others who are interested in gun ownership for self defense, recreation, competition, and survival.

It’s not just a magazine subscription. CALIBR is 3 platforms for one low price: CALIBR Magazine, CALIBR Digital, and CALIBR Community–just $29.99/year for CALIBR All Access. You do not have to be a NAAGA member to get CALIBR All Access, but NAAGA members get the premiere issue, CALIBR Digital, and CALIBR Community FREE, plus 33% off their print subscription for the other three issues for the year. [NAAGA members, visit the NAAGA Membership Portal to sign up now.]

CALIBR MAGAZINE EDITION |SHARPSHOOTER

Editor’s Note

CONTENTS

Get CALIBR Magazine

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Join the Community for CALIBR All Access which includes CALIBR Magazine, CALIBR Digital, & CALIBR Community.

You get 3 platforms for 1 low price.

Virtual Block Party

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You’re invited to our first private event for a full day of activities and fun to officially launch CALIBR Magazine.

In-Person Kickoff

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If you’re in Atlanta, join us at Stoddard’s Range and Guns Midtown to meet the Survival Sisters and kickoff the Virtual Block Party activities at community.calibrmag.com for the day.

Swagga Like Us Photo Contest & Lip Sync Battle

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Get your firearm(s) and your favorite fit, and show us your swagger for a chance to win a $1000 prize package from our sponsors in our Swagga Like Us Photo Contest, OR perform your favorite song (no singing required). Grab your crew, or do it by yourself. Either way, get ready to unleash your inner Beyoncé or MJ in our first CALIBR Lip Sync Battle for a chance to win a $2500 price package.

Virtual Block Party Mix[er] Sessions 1, 2, & 3

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Enjoy DJ T Will on the wheels of steel with giveaways, special offers, contest winner announcements, and special guests at 4, 6, & 8 PM EST, Saturday, March 26th.

Become An Ambassador

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Help us grow CALIBR Community, and get Bronze, Silver, & Gold Ambassador rewards all the way up to a drawing for a $5000 firearms experiences from Daniel Defense.

Frequently Asked Questions The Word Is Out

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Read what people are saying about CALIBR Magazine.

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SHARPSHOOTER | CALIBR MAGAZINE EDITION

EDITOR’S NOTE

NEW BLACK GUN OWNERS SHATTERED RECORDS IN 2020, BUT WHAT SHOULD THEY DO NEXT?

Kia Glenn

What happens after millions of African-Americans purchase guns for the first time in record numbers? In addition to all of the panic shopping that was common in the chaos and uncertainty of the Covid-19 outbreak, you probably saw the headlines about the surge in gun ownership as well. According to the National Sport Shooting Foundation, 2020 was a record-breaking year for gun sales in general with a 34% jump over the record set in 2016–and specifically 58% among African-Americans over 2019. If you are among the Black gun owners who decided to take that step, what do you do when the political and social unrest slows to a simmer, the divisive rhetoric quiets, and the media shifts its focus to foreign war?

The Nation’s Largest Black Gun Organization Has a Plan The National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) has the answer. “It’s time to pull that gun you bought out of the box. You cannot get enough training or learn enough about safety and proficiency with your new tool, and there’s help available. You’re invited to the most unique brotherhood and sisterhood in the firearms industry,” says NAAGA founder and president, Philip Smith.

With over 40,000 in its ranks and 120+ chapters in 43 states, NAAGA has set its sights on the millions of Blacks who have purchased guns for the first time and the over 17 million more that have indicated they would be willing to do so according to a 2017 Pew Research Center report on America’s Complex Relationship With Guns.

The New, Historic CALIBR Magazine is All About the Firearms Lifestyle for Black Gun Owners Smith has always been on a mission to remind and educate Second Amendment advocates of the tradition of Black arms, but now he has added “editor” to his list of titles with the publishing of CALIBR, the magazine for Black life and protection. It will print every quarter, but Smith and his team are quick to point out that this is not just a magazine subscription. They are building a community where Black gun owners, 2A advocates, and allies, regardless of color, can connect in a space designed just for them.

NAAGA has actually launched three platforms. “I like to say that CALIBR print is where we tell our stories.

You’ll find more of the story in CALIBR Digital, and you can share your story in CALIBR Community. It’s three platforms bundled together for one low price,” explains CALIBR’s executive editor, Gwen Witherspoon.

Print is Alive and Well for Niche Audiences Before you start asking about why someone would launch a print magazine in the digital age, let us pause for a moment to think about what that means for Black Second Amendment advocates. How many times have you seen a Black person in a gun magazine, a hunting ad, or a stock image search? Whatever your answer, our guess is that after totaling them up, you have lots of fingers left. In the United States “Black” and “gun” have not been synonymous with 2A. We believe that CALIBR is just what is needed.

Editor-in-Chief & NAAGA National The early indications are that CALIBR Magazine has hit a nerve. Visit page 12 to see what African-American Marketing & Media gun owners and advocates are saying, and then make sure you Get CALIBR All Access. [NAAGA members Manager log in to the NAAGA Membership Portal to save 33% off.]

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INTRODUCING CALIBR Magazine

BY THE NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN GUN ASSOCIATION

CALIBR IS THE FIREARMS LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS COVERING FIREARMS, FAMILY, BUSINESS, AND POLITICS. CALIBR All Access Includes 3 Platforms, 1 Low Price: Print. Digital. Community.

1 Get your CALIBR Magazine print subscription delivered to you 2 Exclusive CALIBR Digital content at calibrmag.com from any device 3 Access to CALIBR Community at community.calibrmag.com where you can meet, connect, and share And so much more!

GET CALIBR ALL ACCESS TODAY NAAGA MEMBERS: Log in to the NAAGA Membership Portal at access.naaga.co to receive a 33% discount.

Virtual Block Party

SATURDAY MARCH 26TH

You Are Invited

LIVE VIRTUAL BLOCK PARTY RUNDOWN at community.calibrmag.com

12-12:15 PM EST Join Janice Stephens, CALIBR Digital Editor, for a rundown of the day's activities for the CALIBR Virtual Block Party as we officially launch CALIBR Magazine!

IN-PERSON

1-3 PM EST In-Person Kickoff at Stoddard's Range & Guns Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia

VIRTUAL

3-4 PM EST Virtual Q&A with the Survival Sisters, CALIBR Community 4-5 PM EST Mix[er] Session 1 with DJ T Will 5-6 PM EST Gun Demo Sessions by Our Sponsors & Members 6-7 PM EST Mix[er] Session 2 with DJ T Will 7-8 PM EST Gun Demo Sessions by Our Sponsors & Members 8-9 PM EST Mix[er] Session 3 with DJ T Will

DON’T M

GUN DE ISS TRAININMO G R O O M WITH O UR SPO S N SORS ERS

& MEMB

CONTESTS | March 18-25

Swagga Like Us Photo Contest – a chance to win up to $1000 in prizes from our sponsors Lip Sync Battle – a chance to win up to $2500 in prizes from our sponsors Ambassador Rewards – get recognition and rewards up to a $5000 experience from Daniel Defense AND SO MUCH MORE! Be sure to RSVP to each event for updates!

community.calibrmag.com

NAAGA MEMBERS: Log in to the NAAGA Membership Portal at access.naaga.co for free access.

RON WITHERSPOON PHOTOGRAPHY

CALIBR MAGAZINE EDITION |SHARPSHOOTER

RON WITHERSPOON PHOTOGRAPHY

In-Person Kickoff

Saturday, March 26th • 1-3 PM EST Stoddard’s Range & Guns, 485 Bishop St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

It’s time to celebrate the official launch of the historic CALIBR Magazine! To do that, we will kick off a full day of activities for the CALIBR Virtual Block Party [hosted virtually in CALIBR Community later the same day from 3-9 PM] BEGINNING WITH THIS IN-PERSON EVENT at Stoddard’s Range and Guns Midtown!

Meet the Survival Sisters featured on the cover of the premiere issue of CALIBR Magazine Purchase (or bring) your copy of CALIBR Magazine, and get it signed

Can’t attend in person? No worries.

Join us in CALIBR Community for a Virtual Q&A with the Survival Sisters from 3-4 PM EST

Visit community.calibrmag.com

Get some range time in to start your training regimen (rental and range fees may apply) Win offers and prizes from our sponsors 6

SHARPSHOOTER | CALIBR MAGAZINE EDITION

Enter to Win! March 18-25th

WINNERS ANNOUNCED SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH DURING THE CALIBR VIRTUAL BLOCK PARTY IN CALIBR COMMUNITY

Up to $1000 in Prizes In the spirit of the Wildest Dreams: Profiles in Self Defense feature on pages 33-38 of the premiere issue of CALIBR Magazine, get your firearm(s) and your favorite fit, and show us your swagger for a chance to win a prize package from our sponsors.

GRAPH Y

ENTER, SHARE, & GET VOTES

PHOTO

Visit calibrmag.com/swagga-like-us-photo-contest

Send your friends and family to the online Swagga Like Us Photo Booth to vote!

RON W

ITHER

SPOON

OR post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using BOTH the hashtags #swaggalikeus AND #calibrmagazine to be added to our online Gallery

Up to $2500 in Prizes Perform your favorite song (no singing required). Grab your crew, or do it by yourself. Either way, get ready to unleash your inner Beyoncé or MJ in our first CALIBR Lip Sync Battle. Get creative. Pull out those costumes. We are here for ALL of it! Prepare now, and upload your entry March 18-25th with the hashtags #lipsyncbattle AND #calibrmagazine.

ENTER, SHARE, & GET VOTES

Visit calibrmag.com/swagga-like-us-photo-contest OR post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube using BOTH the hashtags

#lipsyncbattle AND #calibrmagazine to be added to our online Gallery .

Send your friends and family to the online Lip Sync Battle Theater to vote!

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RON WITHERSPOON PHOTOGRAPHY

CALIBR MAGAZINE EDITION |SHARPSHOOTER

Virtual Session 1 4-5 PM Block Party Special Guest: Monique Clarke

MIX[er] SESSIONS with

Dj T Will

Active duty Marine, Lioness Defense Firearms Training, & The Rounds Contributor in the premiere issue of CALIBR Magazine.

RON WITHERSPOON PHOTOGRAPHY

Follow Monique in CALIBR Community

Session 2 6-7 PM Special Guest: Matthew Raiford

Mix[er] Session Agenda DJ T Will on the 1s and 2s Icebreaker & Scavenger Hunt Activities & Giveaways Contest Winner Announcement Special Guest Special Offer (If you stay until the end of each session)

Follow Matthew in CALIBR Community

RON WITHERSPOON PHOTOGRAPHY

CALIBR’s Virtual Block Party is an opportunity for us to officially launch CALIBR Magazine and to welcome everyone in CALIBR Community to the “block”. It’s going to be a full day of fun with icebreakers, scavenger hunts, giveaways, and more, so make sure you RSVP to everything you’re interested in so you will receive updates & notifications.

Chef and 6th generation farmer (chefarmer) & The Gauge Contributor in the premiere issue of CALIBR Magazine.

SessioN 3 8-9 PM Special Guest: Justin Mitchell

Comedian & Hunter, the Firearms Feature in the premiere issue of CALIBR Magazine, and CALIBR Digital Contributor.

Follow Justin in Don’t miss our Gun Demo Zoom Rooms hosted by our sponsors in between Mix[er] Sessions in CALIBR Community at community.calibrmag.com. CALIBR Community

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BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

CALIBR

HELP US REACH AFRICAN-AMERICAN GUN OWNERS (AND POTENTIAL GUN OWNERS)

Everything about CALIBR is NEW. There has never been a gun magazine like CALIBR Magazine. No one has told stories like this all in one place.

There is no other option for getting more of the story like in CALIBR Digital at calibrmag.com. We did not just stop with print. We are providing exclusive content that is different than what is in the print magazine.

And there is no other online community like CALIBR Community at community.calibrmag.com where you can share your story and connect with others across the country, take online courses, meet in special interest groups, enjoy private events, and get demos and deals for What to Buy & Why–all focused on your firearms lifestyle. And it is all available for one low price.

Becoming a CALIBR Ambassador is easy.

There is no application. No hoops to jump through. Nothing.

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All you have to do is take advantage of our CALIBR All Access membership plan. [If you are a NAAGA member, log in to the NAAGA Membership Portal at access.naaga.co to get 33% off.]

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Log in to your CALIBR Community account at community.calibrmag.com.

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Click on Invite in the menu.

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Add email addresses to send an invitation to your friends, family, and colleagues, OR scroll down to copy your custom referral link and send via text or email.

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As they join, you automatically earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Ambassador badges and an ever-growing list of rewards including up to the opportunity to win a $5000 firearms experience from Daniel Defense*.

Or simply visit community.calibrmag.com/invite *The $5000 Firearms Experience by Daniel Defense Includes: • • • •

Airfare & Hotel to Black Creek, Georgia Daniel Defense Factory Tour Build-Your-Own Daniel Defense DDM4 AR-15 Style Firearm Spend a Day at the Range

NOTE: In addition to the Bronze and Silver Ambassador rewards, each CALIBR Community member who reaches Gold Ambassador will be entered for a chance to win this experience.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CALIBR MAGAZINE EDITION |SHARPSHOOTER

Q: Why do I have to join CALIBR Community to get CALIBR Magazine?

The short answer is, “It’s a package deal.” You get 3 platforms for 1 low price–print, digital, community in our CALIBR All Access membership plan. Whether you want one or all, your $29.99 annual membership fee includes CALIBR All Access. [NAAGA members, log in to NAAGA Membership Portal at access.naaga.co for 33% off.]

Q: Is a digital version of CALIBR Magazine print available?

No. We made a strategic decision to use the blog format on our website at calibrmag.com to deliver exclusive content under the CALIBR Digital brand. This approach gives us the opportunity to provide related content based on the print stories that are formatted properly for mobile devices and easily updated at a higher frequency. After reading two articles, the general public will be asked to register to continue reading for FREE or to become a member of CALIBR All Access for just $29.99/year. When logged in to CALIBR Digital and CALIBR Community, members can toggle back and forth with ease.

Q: Can I still get the premiere issue of CALIBR Magazine?

Yes. While supplies last, you can purchase copies of the JAN-MAR issue in the CALIBR Digital Store. It is available in single issues and in bulk for resale.

Q: Can I buy CALIBR Magazine at my local newsstand?

No. As a new publication of a national nonprofit, we want to use our first year to focus on providing exceptional content and distribute it through our own networks before venturing into newsstand distribution.

Q: Does CALIBR have its own app?

We do not have our own app, but CALIBR Community is powered by Mighty Networks. The next best thing is that you can download the Mighty Networks app for free, search for CALIBR Community and log in using your CALIBR Community username and password to access our content. CALIBR Digital content is responsive on all mobile devices and requires a different login.

Q: Why is CALIBR misspelled?

To be really honest, we liked the word “caliber” and its many implications for African-American gun owners. Removing the “e” just felt right.

Q: How do I advertise in CALIBR Magazine?

Visit advertise.calibrmag.com for our print advertising rates and mediakit.calibrmag.com for CALIBR Digital and CALIBR Community advertising opportunities.

We are always interested in developing strategic partnerships, especially CALIBR Collabs with other non-profit organizations.

Q: How do I write for CALIBR Magazine?

Visit contribute.calibrmag.com for our editorial guidelines, issue themes, terms, and application form.

Q: How do I get featured in CALIBR Magazine?

We are always looking for new and interesting stories to share with our members. Our editorial plan includes four feature articles and ten special sections for print and about four times that for digital. You can send a message to editors@calibrmag.com to shoot your shot (no pun intended) and be considered. Your submission will be evaluated based on our contributor guidelines, issue themes, and editorial priorities.

Q: Do you have anything I can share with the media about CALIBR Magazine?

We just launched a new Press section in CALIBR Digital at calibrmag.com/press and our first press release.

Q: Why isn’t the NAAGA logo on the cover of CALIBR Magazine?

Though CALIBR Magazine is being published by Adam Red for the National African American Gun Association, it is not focused only on the business of NAAGA and its members. [The Sharpshooter Newsletter is dedicated to that effort.] The strategic focus of CALIBR Magazine is on exposing, inspiring, and promoting the firearms lifestyle of African-Americans in general, including members of other gun organizations.

Q: Do I have to be a member of the National African American Gun Association to get CALIBR Magazine?

No. CALIBR Magazine is available for anyone interested in Black life and protection.

Q: Do I need to join CALIBR Community and follow CALIBR Magazine in social media?

You don’t have to, but it would be great if you did. Though we are creating our own online space, social media is still the best way to connect with people that we don’t know to invite them to join us. Follow @calibrmag on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, & LinkedIn.

Q: Do I have to be Black to join CALIBR Community?

No. CALIBR All Access is available to everyone interested in thought-provoking, respectful dialogue about the Second Amendment rights of AfricanAmericans.

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THE WORD IS OUT ABOUT CALIBR MAGAZINE What you have to say is the only opinion that matters.

“Just got mine in the mail, I’m not gonna lie I teared up…” – guerillagoonie “I received my first issue of CALIBR, and a real tear fell. I knew I wasn’t alone out here…”

– H. Washington

“This is what I’ve been looking for, people who look like me, interested in doing and talking about what I like, and all the other information associated with the firearm world from an African American point of view.”

– E. Williams

“We finally have a publication that can speak to our issues as it pertains to 2nd Amendment rights, protection and proper firearms training. Thank you…” – B. Young “Finally something I enjoy reading. Thanks all.” – J. Steverson, Jr. “Greetings everyone. I’m new to the Community, and I’m glad I joined.

I really love the respectful and positive vibes from all the members.” – J. Palmer “Great magazine! It’s bold! I chuckled when I saw the cover page.

It reminded me of when my daughters and I went to the gun range together.” – W. Powell “I think CALIBR is a great magazine that is loooong overdue. I almost cried when I got mine.

To see my people involved in the knowledge and safe use of firearms for ourselves is beautiful and practical.

Thank you—thank you—and THANK YOU.” – H. Johnson “My face lit up when I saw the magazine! Yes! I sense great things ahead.” – L. Mitchell “Thank you for creating a magazine that’s innovative and informative in responsible gun ownership.” – A. Hicks, Sr.

NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN GUN ASSOCIATION 1545 NORTH EXPRESS PKWY, #135 • GRIFFIN, GEORGIA 30223 naaga.co | Follow @naaganational on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & YouTube