Maj Toure

Last updated
Maj Toure
Maj Toure (51364505038) (cropped).jpg
Toure at FreedomFest 2021
Born
Martin Anthony Jones

Occupations
  • Political activist
  • Rapper
Known forFounding Black Guns Matter
Political party Independent (2019–present)
Libertarian (until 2019) [1]

Maj Toure (born Martin Anthony Jones) [2] is an American libertarian political activist and rapper. Toure is closely associated with the Mises Caucus wing of the American Libertarian Party. [3]

Contents

A native of North Philadelphia, Toure founded the educational nonprofit organization Black Guns Matter in 2016. [2] [4] The organization advocates for the right to keep and bear arms, and promotes responsible ownership of firearms within African-American and urban communities. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

He has released three rap/hip hop recordings: Solutionary Vol. 1 (2005), Solutionary Vol. 2 (2014), and Solutionary Vol. 3 (2016). [10] [11]

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. [12] 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. [12] [13] 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 (0.5% of the vote total). [14]

Toure spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February 2019. [2] [15]

In a dialogue with Lawrence B. Jones in 2021, Toure applauded grassroots anti-racist protestors for emphasizing that black lives do in fact matter, while denouncing Black Lives Matter, Inc. as a "money laundering operation" that "fleeces the black community," with the goal of aiding Democratic politicians. [16]

Electoral history

Philadelphia City Council Member At-Large, 2019 general election
Vote for 7
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Helen Gym 205,661 15.4
Democratic Isaiah Thomas 196,733 14.7
Democratic Derek S. Green 189,819 14.2
Democratic Katherine Gilmore Richardson 189,813 14.2
Democratic Allan Domb 186,665 13.9
Working Families Kendra Brooks 60,256 4.5
Republican David Oh 53,742 4.0
Republican Al Taubenberger 47,5473.6
Working Families Nicolas O'Rourke46,5603.5
Republican Dan Tinney46,2703.5
Republican Bill Heeney43,2493.2
Republican Matt Wolfe41,3413.1
Independent Sherrie Cohen9,1160.7
Independent Joe Cox8,8800.7
Libertarian Maj Toure6,1790.5
Independent Steve Cherniavsky3,4800.4
Independent Clarc King2,9590.2
Write-in 745nil
Total votes1,339,015 100
Democratic hold
Democratic hold
Democratic hold
Democratic hold
Democratic hold
Working Families gain from Republican
Republican hold

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">H. Rap Brown</span> American activist (born 1943)

Jamil Abdullah al-Amin, is an American human rights activist, Muslim cleric, black separatist, and convicted murderer who was the fifth chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s. Best known as H. Rap Brown, he served as the Black Panther Party's minister of justice during a short-lived alliance between SNCC and the Black Panther Party.

In African-American history, the post–civil rights era is defined as the time period in the United States since Congressional passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, major federal legislation that ended legal segregation, gained federal oversight and enforcement of voter registration and electoral practices in states or areas with a history of discriminatory practices, and ended discrimination in the renting and buying of housing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Lives Matter</span> Social movement originating in the US

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a decentralized political and social movement that seeks to highlight racism, discrimination, and racial inequality experienced by black people, and promote anti-racism. Its primary concerns are incidents of police brutality and racially motivated violence against black people. It started following the killings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Rekia Boyd, among others. The movement and its related organizations typically advocate for various policy changes considered to be related to black liberation. While there are specific organizations that label themselves simply as "Black Lives Matter", such as the Black Lives Matter Global Network, the overall movement is a decentralized network of people and organizations with no formal hierarchy. The slogan "Black Lives Matter" itself remains untrademarked by any group. Despite being characterized by some as a violent movement, the overwhelming majority of its public demonstrations have been peaceful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware</span> Election in Delaware

The 2018 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware was held on November 6, 2018, to elect the U.S. representative from Delaware's at-large congressional district, who will represent the state of Delaware in the 116th United States Congress. The election coincided with the election of a U.S. Senator from Delaware and other federal and state offices. Democratic Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, the incumbent, won re-election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of African Americans in Philadelphia</span>

The history of African Americans or Black Philadelphians in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been documented in various sources. People of African descent are currently the largest ethnic group in Philadelphia. Estimates in 2010 by the U.S. Census Bureau documented the total number of people living in Philadelphia who identified as Black or African American at 644,287, or 42.2% of the city's total population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redneck Revolt</span> American far-left political group

Redneck Revolt is an American far-left socialist political group that organizes predominantly among white working-class people. The group supports gun rights and members often openly carry firearms. Its political positions are anti-capitalist, anti-racist and anti-fascist. Founded in Kansas in 2009, members were present at several protests against Donald Trump and against the far-right in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Libertarian National Convention</span> Political event

The 2020 Libertarian National Convention delegates selected the Libertarian Party nominees for president and vice president in the 2020 United States presidential election. Primaries were held, but were preferential in nature and did not determine delegate allocation. The convention was originally scheduled to be held from May 21 to May 25 at the JW Marriott Austin luxury hotel in downtown Austin, Texas. On April 26, all reservations at the JW Marriott Austin were canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the convention oversight committee to seek another venue for a possible July date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Conservative Political Action Conference</span>

The 2019 Conservative Political Action Conference was the annual event of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), hosted by the American Conservative Union. It was held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, from February 27 to March 2, 2019. The event was headlined by President Donald Trump, with many speakers and panels throughout the conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Guns Matter</span> Organization for gun safety and self defense for African Americans

Black Guns Matter is an organization aimed at educating African Americans about gun culture in the United States, primarily around defending Second Amendment rights. The organization is led by Maj Toure, who founded it in 2016. Black Guns Matter has hosted workshops in multiple cities to teach the basics of firearm safety, U.S. gun laws, and conflict resolution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Police surveillance in New York City</span>

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) actively monitors public activity in New York City, New York, United States. Historically, surveillance has been used by the NYPD for a range of purposes, including against crime, counter-terrorism, and also for nefarious or controversial subjects such as monitoring political demonstrations, activities, and protests, and even entire ethnic and religious groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election</span> Election of Josh Shapiro as Pennsylvania Governor

The 2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 2022, to elect the governor of Pennsylvania and lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania. State Attorney General Josh Shapiro defeated State Senator Doug Mastriano by 14.8 percentage points to succeed term-limited incumbent governor Tom Wolf (D). Primaries were held on May 17, 2022. Shapiro won the Democratic nomination after running unopposed and Mastriano won the Republican nomination with 44% of the vote. Mastriano's nomination drew attention due to his far-right political views.

<i>Free Meek</i> American docuseries

Free Meek is a 2019 true-crime docuseries about American rapper Meek Mill's ongoing battle with the U.S. justice system following a disputed conviction in 2007. The five-part series premiered August 9, 2019, on Amazon Prime Video, and is produced by his record label, Roc Nation and The Intellectual Property Corporation, and executive produced by Mill and Jay-Z. A trailer was released during the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards ahead of its premiere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rest in power</span> Idiomatic expression; variant of "rest in peace"

Rest in power is an expression used to mourn, remember or celebrate a deceased person, especially someone who is thought to have struggled against systemic prejudice such as homophobia, transphobia, racism or suffered because of it, particularly in black and LGBTQ communities in the United States. It has been used to eulogize victims of hate crimes while protesting the social inequality and institutionalised discrimination that may have led to their deaths. It is a common phrase to use to honor someone’s legacy, though as an activist.

Nkenge Touré is a leader in the Reproductive Justice, Anti-Racism, and Black women's health movements and a former member of the Black Panther Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defund the police</span> Slogan supporting reallocation of public safety funds away from policing

In the United States, "defund the police" is a slogan that supports removing funds from police departments and reallocating them to non-policing forms of public safety and community support, such as social services, youth services, housing, education, healthcare and other community resources. Activists who use the phrase may do so with varying intentions; some seek modest reductions, while others argue for full divestment as a step toward the abolition of contemporary police services. Activists who support the defunding of police departments often argue that investing in community programs could provide a better crime deterrent for communities; funds would go toward addressing social issues, like poverty, homelessness, and mental disorders. Police abolitionists call for replacing existing police forces with other systems of public safety, like housing, employment, community health, education, and other programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Lives Matter movement in popular culture</span>

The Black Lives Matter movement has been depicted and documented in various artistic forms and mediums including film, song, television, and the visual arts. In some instances this has taken place in the form of protest art. These cultural representations have also grown organically among artists who seek to partake in activist efforts in support or in recognition of the Black Lives Matter movement. The themes conveyed in these artistic works address the history of racism and injustice toward people of color in the United States and typically express sentiments of anger and fear as well as solace and hope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Fresno mayoral election</span>

The 2020 Fresno mayoral election was held on March 3, 2020, to elect the mayor of Fresno, California. Republican Jerry Dyer was elected after winning a majority in the primary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aalayah Eastmond</span> American activist

Aalayah Eastmond is an American activist and advocate for gun violence prevention, social justice, and racial equality. After surviving the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Eastmond began her activism during the 2018 United States gun violence protests. She has testified multiple times to the U.S. Congress. Eastmond is an executive council member of Team Enough, a youth-led gun violence prevention organization which is part of the Brady Campaign. Eastmond co-founded Concerned Citizens of DC in the wake of the murder of George Floyd to organize protests supporting social justice issues in Washington, D.C. She supports Black Lives Matter and protests against police brutality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Philadelphia City Council election</span>

The 2023 Philadelphia City Council elections was held November 7, 2023 for elections of all seats in the Philadelphia City Council. The Democratic Party maintained its super-majority on the council. The election took place on the same day as the 2023 Philadelphia mayoral election and other local elections in the Commonwealth.

References

  1. Brennan, Chris; Seidman, Andrew (15 November 2019). "Maj Toure exits the Libertarian Party in controversy after a failed bid for City Council". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 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.
  3. Gillespie, Nick; Weissmueller, Zach. "Maj Toure: Why Black Guns—and Libertarianism—Matter". reason.com. Reason. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Black guns matter: Weapons campaigner wants more access to guns". Daily Express . February 17, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  5. Newhouse, Sam (May 20, 2016). "Rapper: Answer to bloodbath on Philly's streets – more guns". Metro . Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  6. Malagon, Elvia (May 17, 2018). "Black Guns Matter bringing gun rights workshop to Chicago's African-American community". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  7. Kogan, Danielle (July 7, 2018). "March For Our Rights: Pro-Gun Activists Rally In 13 Cities Across U.S." Newsweek . Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  8. 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.
  9. Miles, Tiya (March 9, 2019). "The Black Gun Owner Next Door". The New York Times . Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  10. "Maj Toure" Archived 2019-05-10 at the Wayback Machine , CDbaby.com.
  11. Rupp, Jacqueline (October 12, 2016) "Under the Gun: Advocacy group aims to train blacks", Philadelphia Weekly . Retrieved May 10.
  12. 1 2 Shaheeli, Joe (May 10, 2019). "Libertarian Toure Hunts at-Large Seat". The Public Record . Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  13. Fink, Jenni (April 2, 2019). "After Nipsey Hussle's Death, Black Guns Matter Founder Pushes For Conflict Resolution Skills". Newsweek. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  14. "2019 Pennsylvania general election results". WHYY. November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  15. Schreckinger, Ben (March 1, 2019). "New CPAC stars: Black gun rights activists". Politico.
  16. Toure, Maj (24 May 2021). "Black Guns Matter Founder Maj Toure: Black Lives Matter "Designed Specifically To Fleece The Black Community"" (Interview). Interviewed by Lawrence B. Jones.