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Not Fucking Around Coalition

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Not Fucking Around Coalition
LeaderJohn Fitzgerald Johnson (Grand Master Jay)
Foundation2017; 7 years ago (2017)[1]
CountryUnited States
MotivesEstablished to protect, self-police, and educate Black communities on firearms and their constitutional rights[2] Establishment of a separate Black nation[3][4]
Active regionsSouthern United States
IdeologyBlack nationalism
Black separatism
StatusActive

The Not Fucking Around Coalition (NFAC) is a black nationalist militia, part of the militia movement in the United States. The group advocates for black liberation and separatism. It has been described by news outlets as a "Black militia".[5][6] It denies any connection to the Black Panther Party or Black Lives Matter.[7]

Background and organization

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See also: Secession in the United States § 1980s–present efforts
See also: Liberia

John Fitzgerald Johnson, also known as Grand Master Jay and John Jay Fitzgerald Johnson, claims leadership of the group[2][8] and has stated that it is composed of "ex military shooters."[9] Johnson served in the Virginia National Guard and the Army from 1989 to 2006, leaving at the rank of private due to an other than honorable discharge.[2][10] He was an independent candidate for U.S. president in 2016[8] and has stated: "We are a Black militia. We aren't protesters, we aren't demonstrators. We don't come to sing, we don't come to chant. That's not what we do."[11] Furthermore, in the same interview, Johnson expressed Black Nationalist views, putting forth the view that the United States should either hand the state of Texas over to African-Americans so that they may form an independent country, or allow African-Americans to depart the United States to another country that would provide land upon which to form an independent nation.[12][13] In April 2021 Johnson expanded on this notion, telling The Atlantic that the intention of the NFAC was to establish the "United Black Kemetic Nation", a strictly black ethno-state.[10]

In 2019, Johnson told the Atlanta Black Star that the organization was formed to prevent another Greensboro Massacre.[14][15]

Thomas Mockaitis, professor of history at DePaul University stated: "In one sense it (NFAC) echoes the Black Panthers but they are more heavily armed and more disciplined... So far, they've coordinated with police and avoided engaging with violence."[2]

NFAC mandates that members have a concealed-carry permit or the ability to obtain one.[10]

Activities

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The first reported appearance of NFAC members was a May 12, 2020, protest near Brunswick, Georgia, over the February murder of Ahmaud Arbery,[9] though they were identified by local media as "Black Panthers".[16]

Johnson stated that NFAC provided armed security for the sister of Rayshard Brooks at her request. NFAC escorted her to a rally in downtown Atlanta in late June.[11]

On the Fourth of July, 2020, local media reported that about 100 to 200 mostly armed NFAC members marched through Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta, Georgia, calling for the removal of the Confederate monument.[17] Reuters reported the number of participants as "scores."[18] The NFAC posted videos of the event and reported the number as 1,500.[19] The Stone Mountain Memorial Association, which operates the park, stated that the protesters were peaceful and orderly.[20] Johnson stated of the site, which is important to the Ku Klux Klan: "Our initial goal was to have a formation of our militia in Stone Mountain to send a message that as long as you're abolishing all these statues across the country, what about this one?"[11] He also stated that the formation was a response to a threat by the KKK to start shooting black people at 8 pm on the Fourth of July, 2020.[19] Johnson thus stated at the formation, "I want the heart of the Ku Klux Klan to hear me no matter where the fuck you are. I'm in your house. Where you at? You made a threat. We don't threaten."[17]

On July 25, a local news outlet stated that "more than 300" members were gathered in Louisville, Kentucky to protest the lack of action against the officers responsible for the March killing of Breonna Taylor.[21][22] The NFAC posted a video of the event on its official YouTube page, reporting the number of militia members registered and present as 3,500.[23] On July 20, preceding the event, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Louisville Metro Council President David James had a phone conversation with Johnson, which the AG's office described as "productive".[24] In response to the announced NFAC presence, about 50 armed Three Percenters counter-protested.[21] Louisville police in riot gear helped to facilitate the maintenance of space between the groups.[21] Three NFAC members were wounded during a negligent weapon discharge.[25] The NFAC said that the discharge occurred when a person who was not yet admitted into the formation collapsed from heat exhaustion and fired her weapon into the ground. The weapon was an older shotgun that Johnson said would not have been approved for the formation. The shotgun projectiles hit the ground, then ricocheted and hit three people. Johnson reported that two of those hit were checked by medics and cleared to continue to participate in the formation.[26][better source needed]

On October 3, over 400 members of the NFAC along with over 200 other armed protesters marched in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. This demonstration was sparked after United States Representative Clay Higgins made threats against protesters who showed up armed regarding the shooting of Trayford Pellerin at the hands of police.[27] Johnson along with other speakers gave speeches at the Parc San Souci, urging members to continue protesting. A protest attendee, not associated with the NFAC, was arrested after accidentally discharging a handgun. No one was injured.[28] Afterwards, the group marched and left.[29]

On November 2, Kansas City-based activist Keiajah Brooks announced via Twitter that she was under protection from the NFAC after multiple alleged instances of harassment committed by officers from the Kansas City Police Department. A week prior, she went viral online shortly after a video was released of her criticizing the local city commissioners for "choosing profits over people" as well as her push for the Police Chief Rick Smith to resign.[30]

On December 3, Johnson was arrested by the FBI for allegedly aiming his rifle at police officers during protests about Breonna Taylor's killing.[31][32] He was later federally indicted the following year on February 24, 2021, and has since been found guilty.[33][34] In November 2022, he was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months in prison along with 3 years of supervision after completion of the term. He is currently incarcerated at Ashland FCI.[35]

On June 23, 2021, former NFAC member Othal "Ozone" Wallace shot and killed Daytona Beach Police Department Officer Jason Raynor whilst he was conducting a "proactive patrol". He then attempted to disable the bodycam worn by the officer.[36][37] Three days later, Wallace was arrested after police found out he was hiding at an alleged NFAC-affiliated property in DeKalb County, Georgia. According to Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, four other people were at the said property, along with multiple firearms, multiple flashbangs, body armor, and ammunition.[38] The NFAC stated Othal Wallace was terminated from the organization on January 21, 2021. They also said they were not affiliated with the property as reported, claiming that it was owned by another ex-NFAC member.[39]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "What Is the NFAC, and Who Is Grandmaster Jay?". Complex Networks. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d Chavez, Nicole; Young, Ryan; Barajas, Angela (October 25, 2020). "An all-Black group is arming itself and demanding change. They are the NFAC". CNN. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  3. ^ Neil, Shane Paul (September 4, 2020). "What Is the NFAC, & Who Is Grandmaster Jay?". Complex. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  4. ^ Owen, Tess (October 28, 2020). "'If You Attack Us, We Will Kill You': The Not Fucking Around Coalition Wants to Protect Black Americans". Vice News. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  5. ^ Shugerman, Emily; James, Gerry Seavo (July 25, 2020). "Three Injured as Rival Armed Militias Converge on Louisville". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  6. ^ Blest, Paul (July 27, 2020). "Protests Against Police Brutality and Trump's Secret Police Are Exploding Across the U.S." Vice News. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  7. ^ "Black militia called 'Not F-king Around Coalition' demonstrates; angered at 'Black Panther' comparison". Law Enforcement Today. July 6, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Ashley, Asia (July 6, 2020). "Local militia challenges White supremacy during Fourth of July march". The Champion. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Davis, Zuri (May 29, 2020). "Black Civilians Arm Themselves To Protest Racial Violence and Protect Black-Owned Businesses". Reason. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  10. ^ a b c Wood, Graeme (April 2, 2021). "A Black Army Rises to Fight the Racist Right". the Atlantic. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  11. ^ a b c Fearnow, Benjamin (July 5, 2020). "Armed Black Militia Challenges White Nationalists at Georgia's Stone Mountain Park". Newsweek. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  12. ^ "New Black Nationalist Statement Supporting the Not Fucking Around Coalition". New Black Nationalism. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  13. ^ "Not Fucking Around Coalition". Globalsecurity.org. October 9, 2020.
  14. ^ Savage, Niara (July 13, 2020). "'Send a Message': Black Militia Leader Says Membership Skyrocketed After They Began Showing Up Where White Militias Protested with Little Challenge from Police". Atlanta Black Star. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  15. ^ "What Is the NFAC, and Who Is Grandmaster Jay?". Complex. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  16. ^ Gough, Lyndsey (May 9, 2020). "Hundreds gather to release balloons to honor Ahmaud Arbery's birthday". WTOC-TV. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  17. ^ a b King, Michael; Buchanan, Christopher (July 4, 2020). "'I'm in your house': Armed group condemns systemic and overt racism, marches to Stone Mountain". WXIA-TV. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  18. ^ Gorman, Steve (July 5, 2020). "Predominantly Black armed protesters march through Confederate memorial park in Georgia". Reuters. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  19. ^ a b Martin S., Roland. "'Sending A Message' To White Supremacy: After Armed Black Militia Marched In GA, NFAC Founder Speaks." YouTube. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  20. ^ Group of armed demonstrators enter Stone Mountain Park (video). WXIA-TV. July 4, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020 – via YouTube.
  21. ^ a b c Kenning, Chris; Bailey, Phillip M.; Gardner, Hayes; Eadens, Savannah; Tobin, Ben (July 25, 2020). "Opposing armed militias converge in Louisville, escalating tensions but avoiding violence". The Courier-Journal. Archived from the original on June 11, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  22. ^ "NFAC militia leader says Saturday's planned march is about 'justice for Breonna Taylor'". WDRB. July 24, 2020. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  23. ^ The Official Grandmaster Jay. "The NFAC March on Louisville Ky". YouTube. Retrieved Aug 27, 2020.
  24. ^ Tobin, Ben (July 21, 2020). "Daniel Cameron holds meeting on Breonna Taylor with Black militia leader". The Courier-Journal. Archived from the original on June 11, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  25. ^ Woolston, Bryan (July 26, 2020). "Black armed protesters march in Kentucky demanding justice for Breonna Taylor". Reuters. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  26. ^ The Official Grand Master Jay. "NFAC Destroys Lies And False Reporting Of Louisville Formation." YouTube. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  27. ^ "NFAC leader "disappointed" in Rep. Higgins after meeting canceled". KATC. October 1, 2020. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  28. ^ "Police: Accidental shots fired at downtown Lafayette protest". Klfy.com. October 3, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  29. ^ Dodge, Victoria; Capps, Andrew (October 3, 2020). "NFAC march: Protest in Lafayette ends as organizers proclaim 'another successful demonstration'". The Daily Advertiser. Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  30. ^ "Keiajah Brooks reveals she's now under NFAC protection". Revolt TV. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  31. ^ Vera, Amir; Riess, Rebekah (December 4, 2020). "Founder of all-Black armed activist group faces federal charge after FBI says he aimed a rifle at officers". CNN. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  32. ^ Dowd, Trone (December 4, 2020). "Leader of the Pro-Black 'NFAC' Militia Arrested and Charged by Feds". Vice News. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  33. ^ "Grandmaster Jay found guilty of pointing AR-15 at officers during Louisville protests". May 27, 2022.
  34. ^ Kobin, Billy (February 25, 2021). "NFAC leader 'Grandmaster Jay' indicted on federal charges linked to Breonna Taylor protest". The Courier-Journal.
  35. ^ "Cincinnati Man Sentenced to 7 Years and 2 Months in Federal Prison for Assaulting and Brandishing a Firearm at Federal Task Force Officers". United States Department of Justice. November 9, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  36. ^ Mates, Thomas. "What is the NFAC? A look at Black militia group police say is connected to suspected shooter of Daytona officer". WKMG-TV. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  37. ^ Fernandez, Frank. "Daytona officer shooting suspect Othal Wallace captured: What we know". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  38. ^ Riess, Rebekah (June 26, 2021). "Man wanted for shooting Daytona Beach officer in the head captured near Atlanta". CNN.
  39. ^ Dowd, Trone; Owen, Tess. "Member of New Black Panther Splinter Group Suspected of Shooting Cop in Head". Vice News. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
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