Maj Toure
Maj Toure | |
|---|---|
| Born | Martin Anthony Jones Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Black Guns Matter |
Maj Toure (né Martin Anthony Jones)[1] is an American political activist and rapper.
A native of North Philadelphia, Toure founded the educational nonprofit organization Black Guns Matter in 2016.[1][2] The organization advocates for the right to keep and bear arms, and promotes responsible ownership of firearms within African-American and urban communities.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
He has released three rap/hip hop recordings: Solutionary Vol. 1 (2005), Solutionary Vol. 2 (2014), and Solutionary Vol. 3 (2016).[8][9]
Toure was a candidate for an at-large seat in the Philadelphia City Council in the city's 2019 election. He ran as a Libertarian.[10] In addition to his support for Second Amendment rights, his stated political priorities included: criminal justice reform; ending the practice of solitary confinement; legalization of cannabis; improved education in Philadelphia; and conflict resolution training for disconnected youths.[10][11] On November 5, 2019, Toure finished 15th in a field of 17 candidates in the city's election, failing to secure a seat on the City Council. He received 5,676 votes (0.46% of the vote total).[12]
References
- ^ a b Brennan, Chris; Seidman, Andrew (November 15, 2019). "Maj Toure exits the Libertarian Party in controversy after a failed bid for City Council". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
- ^ a b "Black guns matter: Weapons campaigner wants more access to guns". Daily Express. February 17, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Newhouse, Sam (May 20, 2016). "Rapper: Answer to bloodbath on Philly's streets – more guns". Metro. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Malagon, Elvia (May 17, 2018). "Black Guns Matter bringing gun rights workshop to Chicago's African-American community". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Kogan, Danielle (July 7, 2018). "March For Our Rights: Pro-Gun Activists Rally In 13 Cities Across U.S." Newsweek. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Manchester, Julia (March 1, 2019). "Black Guns Matter leader on conservative support for arming urban communities: 'Talk is cheap'". The Hill. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
- ^ Miles, Tiya (March 9, 2019). "The Black Gun Owner Next Door". The New York Times. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ "Maj Toure", CDbaby.com.
- ^ Rupp, Jacqueline (October 12, 2016) "Under the Gun: Advocacy group aims to train blacks", Philadelphia Weekly. Retrieved May 10.
- ^ a b Shaheeli, Joe (May 10, 2019). "Libertarian Toure Hunts at-Large Seat". The Public Record. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Fink, Jenni (April 2, 2019). "After Nipsey Hussle's Death, Black Guns Matter Founder Pushes For Conflict Resolution Skills". Newsweek. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ "2019 Pennsylvania general election results". WHYY. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
External links
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