NAAGA Richmond
The Journey Chapter of Central Virginia
National African American Gun Association
Empowering community, fostering safety, and building skill—rooted in humility and purpose.
A welcoming community for new and experienced shooters in Richmond and Central Virginia. Learn, build relationships and grow your confidence through safety, respect, education and responsible firearm ownership.
Mission & history
We connect our community with education, mentorship, advocacy and opportunities to learn without judgment or unnecessary ego. Knowledge, legal awareness, safe practices and continuous growth support a safer, more prepared community.
Our chapter story
The Journey Chapter serves Richmond, Central Virginia and surrounding communities. Led by Sean Banks-Lewis and David Harris Jr., the chapter brings together people who value self-reliance, education, responsible ownership and community empowerment.
Community Empowerment
Build relationships, share knowledge and support new and experienced members as they learn and grow.
Safety and Responsibility
Make safe handling, safe storage, education and accountability part of responsible firearm ownership.
Advocacy and Inclusion
Support education, representation and responsible advocacy in an environment where different backgrounds and experience levels are respected.
Chapter leadership
Sean Banks-Lewis (Banks)
Chapter PresidentArmy veteran, firearms instructor, owner of Virginia Tactical Shooting Academy LLC and Commonwealth Training & Preparedness Group LLC, community leader and former youth football coach.
David Harris Jr.
Chapter Vice PresidentLong-time chapter member supporting safety education, responsible ownership, outreach and community advocacy.
How to join
- Join NAAGA nationally and select the Journey Chapter when available.
- Return here, create or sign in to your VTSA account and complete the local registration questionnaire.
- Enter your national member ID and expiration date, choose your local plan, pay chapter dues and accept the chapter policies.
- Open your dashboard and download your welcome packet.
National dues vs. chapter dues
National NAAGA membership is handled through the national website. Local Journey Chapter dues do not create or pay for national membership.
Individual: $200.00 annually.
Family: $400.00 annually. Up to six parents or guardians and their children.
Family plans can be paid in full or split: $200.00 at registration and $200.00 within 30 days. Your portal shows the exact balance and due date.
Local membership renews on the annual payment anniversary.
Official national NAAGA membershipPublic events
Public events will appear here when chapter leadership publishes them. The complete calendar is in the member portal.
Start Your Firearms Journey With Confidence and Safety
Start Your Firearms Journey With Confidence and Safety. Patient instruction, questions and continued education are encouraged. Explore foundational firearm safety, safe storage, legal responsibilities and supervised learning with certified instructors.
Training pathways include Foundations and Comfort, Maintenance and Muscle Memory, Pistol 1 Live Fire Course, Virginia Concealed Carry. Check the current training catalog for availability and dates. Ask chapter leadership about long-gun and first-aid learning opportunities.
View current trainingYouth development & safety
The Youth Development and Safety Program supports ages 8–17 through safety education, personal growth, situational awareness, decision-making, leadership, teamwork, communication, respect, goal setting, physical fitness, outdoor skills and community service. Each event lists its activity type, age range, guardian participation, waivers, safety briefing, equipment and instructor.
General program age range: 8–17. Activities and participation details are listed separately for each event.
Household profiles & youth eventsCommunity programs & benefits
Connect, learn, lead and volunteer. Help with outreach and community programs, serve on a committee, support events, share professional skills or express interest in leading a workshop. Queens of Defense activities and youth programs are organized within the chapter calendar.
Chapter activities include meetings, networking, range days, workshops, training opportunities, mentorship and community programs. Active benefits and any separate costs are listed in the portal.
Volunteer & explore member resourcesCode of Conduct
Our chapter’s seven conduct standards guide how we learn, participate and represent our community.
Legal Compliance
Members must strictly adhere to all federal, state, and local laws governing firearm possession, use, and transportation without exception.
Respect and Professionalism
Maintain a respectful, inclusive, and professional demeanor toward all members, guests, and the public. Harassment, discrimination, or conduct that disrupts chapter activities is strictly prohibited.
Safety Commitment
Prioritize safety above all else. Follow all established safety procedures during training, events, and personal firearm handling to protect yourself and others.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Safeguard the privacy of all members. Do not share personal or sensitive information without explicit permission.
Positive Representation
Act as an ambassador of the Journey Chapter and NAAGA at all times, fostering goodwill and promoting the chapter’s mission and values in all interactions.
Constructive Conflict Resolution
Handle disagreements professionally and through designated chapter leadership channels. Avoid public disputes or actions that may harm the chapter’s reputation.
Accountability and Reporting
Take responsibility for your actions and promptly report any violations of this Code or concerns to chapter leadership.
Frequently asked questions
Does local payment include national NAAGA membership?
No. Join nationally first; national and local dues are separate.
When do local dues renew?
On the annual payment anniversary. Your member portal shows your local renewal date and national expiration date separately.
Can my family join together?
Yes. A family plan is $400.00 annually for up to six immediate family members consisting of parents or guardians and their children.
I already paid 2026 dues. What do I do?
Enter your payment and original membership dates in the registration questionnaire. An administrator will verify them.
Where are official chapter updates?
In your member portal. Portal messages create email notifications. The chapter does not use SMS.
Contact the chapter
naagava@vatactical.com
804-234-3346
Headquarters: Virginia Tactical Shooting Academy
5243 S Laburnum Ave, Henrico, VA 23231