This page is for two different kinds of resources for countering violence against Black and Brown people in Louisville Kentucky. In the 2026 election season we can expect more such violence. 

Bystander/Upstander Training

Everyone needs to realize their own power to act for the good, especially when they witness someone else experiencing violence and injustice. If we aren't prepared for this moment, we are at risk of doing nothing. when our actions could change outcomes and help someone.

Please donate to support Community Safety and Defense training for Black and Brown community members. Your group could organize a one-time donation that prepares vulnerable community members to stay safe throughout election season violence.

Community Safety and Defense

These resources are to prepare Black and Brown community members and organizations to build safety for themselves, their families and communities.*

Armed And Educated  https://www.bearmedandeducated.com  Youth mentoring, child and youth gun safety, adult courses, and community projects.

D'Juan Owens https://djuanowens.com/  D'Juan Owens is a self-defense instructor, veteran, and an organizational safety & security consultant dedicated to empowering communities through practical skills and strategic thinking. D'Juan has worked with nonprofits, grassroots organizations, labor unions, and community groups to develop safety protocols, de-escalation strategies, and security frameworks tailored to their unique needs and values. His approach emphasizes self-determination, collective care, and practical skills that can be immediately applied.

Vision Change Win (VCW) https://visionchangewin.org/ offers free toolkits, training, and rapid-response support to help social justice and progressive organizations assess, prepare for, and respond to threats in elections-related work.

*Many Buddhists prefer safety responses that do not include firearms; they may not personally own or use guns, or be ready to organize with people who carry. However, over half of Kentucky households (50-55%, depending on the survey) have guns,  and our gun laws involve no community safety considerations whatsover. Gun safety training saves lives; with guns in almost every location we might go, gun safety helps keep everyone safer. Gun safety training is a vital upaya (skillful means) for our communities.