Conversation with a Black Manager in Atlanta, 2025

Coming into Atlanta for the NRA Annual Meeting in 2025

In Atlanta, during coverage of the NRA Annual Meeting in 2025, this correspondent had an interesting conversation with the black manager of a motel. The motel was chosen for a low price and reasonably close location to the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.

This correspondent has always pursued frugality as a virtue. Frugality can be taken too far. This correspondent may have been close to the edge in choosing a cut-rate motel a few miles from the city center in Atlanta. After registering with the NRA Annual Meeting and picking up press credentials for the event, it was a little before dark on Thursday night when arriving at the reserved motel. The motel appeared to be a little “sketchy”.  The manager, a middle-aged black man, was behind bullet proof glass. Parking was severely limited. A younger black man appeared to be intoxicated and bewildered about where he should be or what he should be doing. Someone kept calling the manager and asking for a particular female employee who was not available.

During the conversation with the manager, this correspondent noticed a “tell” and a print indicating the manager was armed. When it was mentioned the NRA Annual Meeting was going on, the manager said he supported the NRA. As the conversation progressed, this correspondent asked for two of the plastic card keys, so as to have a back-up. The manager said he would like to oblige, but they were running short.

Talking about the NRA led to conversation about the advantages of being armed. The manager noted he was much more careful about avoiding confrontations, now that he was able to carry legally. He stated, when in the past, he had carried illegally, he was more willing to take offense and be aggressive. Now, he wanted to preserve his legal status and avoid situations which could end badly.

We talked a bit about the political situation and the state of the world. This correspondent said, we can only do what we can. The rest is up to God. He is in control. The manager’s eyes lit up. He enthusiastically agreed.  When this correspondent picked up his paperwork for the room and parking, two plastic keys were included.

The motel parking lot seemed to attract young women. At least one was involved in a photo shoot.

When covering an intense event such as the NRA Annual Meeting, this correspondent starts early and returns late. For whatever reason, the hotel manager was not seen again before time came to leave.  He was happy to hear the NRA and others are attempting to restore the right to arms for people with non-violent felonies. It has been reported about 33% of black men have felony records. Most of those felonies are for non-violent actions. Many of them are for carrying concealed weapons without a permit.

Analysis: Most people, when treated with respect, will return the favor. When it was nearly impossible for a black man to legally carry arms for self defense, it was difficult to argue the Constitution was a working, legal document which could be enforced. Justice Thomas, the most respected justice on the Supreme Court, has been at the forefront of supporting and defending the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.

©2025 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

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