Podcast Summary: The Origins Foundation Podcast

Episode 598 – “Hawk Newsome || Civil Rights & Guns”
Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Ashley (The Origins Foundation)
Guest: Hawk Newsome (Civil Rights Leader, Founder – BLM NYC)

Episode Overview

This unique Origins Foundation episode brings civil rights activist and Black Lives Matter NYC founder Hawk Newsome into conversation with host Ashley, departing from the podcast’s usual focus on hunting and conservation. The discussion explores Hawk's perspective on hunting and conservation as an urban non-hunter, his passionate and somewhat unexpected advocacy for the Second Amendment as a Democrat, and his experiences—particularly a racially charged incident at a Pennsylvania gun range—that illustrate the intersection of race, guns, and civil rights. The goal: honest cross-cultural dialogue, the unpacking of common ground and differences, and a candid look at both conservation legislation and issues of discrimination in American outdoor spaces.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Hawk Newsome & Unlikely Friendship

• Ashley describes Hawk as “highly respected and highly controversial” (00:55), highlighting that while he isn’t from a traditional hunting background, he is “excited” to experience his first hunt in Mississippi this December (00:55, 04:20).
• Their connection started on Instagram, appreciated for “respectful discourse” despite significant differences (06:35).

“We come from different backgrounds. … But that's what I love about the fact that you and I can talk… and have respectful discourse.”
— Ashley (07:33)

2. Hawk’s Background and Philosophy

• Raised in the Bronx by Southern parents, deeply identifies as a Christian and a “servant of humanity” (11:18), and founded both Black Lives Matter of NYC and the Wildflower New York Charter School (11:18–13:17).
• Sees civil rights as steppingstones for broader human rights.

“I fight for the rights of black people. But when you fight for the rights of black people… everybody walks through that door with us.”
— Hawk Newsome (11:20)

3. Guns, Partisanship & Second Amendment Advocacy

• Both Ashley (Republican) and Hawk (Democrat) express strong Second Amendment support, agreeing that gun ownership is a fundamental right (13:17–14:13).
• Hawk describes receiving thousands of death threats and seeking advanced firearms training in Texas under “Tactical Karl,” an Army vet and police trainer (14:52–17:08).
• He now organizes gun safety and self-defense training, especially for black women and vulnerable communities, arguing for responsible ownership and respectful appreciation of firearms.

“I might be one of the biggest, blackest advocators for female women to own guns… particularly black women. …You gotta protect yourself. You gotta protect your family.”
— Hawk Newsome (21:13)

• He criticizes gun buyback programs as shortsighted and questions why marginalized communities should relinquish tools for self-defense (20:06–20:49).

4. Crime, Economics & Community Empowerment

• Discussion links violent crime to economic distress, not merely access to guns (19:16).
• Hawk’s approach: holistic empowerment that includes both self-defense training and advocacy for jobs and education.

“When we start talking about violent crimes… we have to talk about economics. … A holistic approach.”
— Hawk Newsome (18:28)

5. Conservation, Hunting, and Trophy Legislation

• Ashley details restrictive New York legislation (Big Five African Trophies Act) targeting imports of animal products from hunted African species (24:50–26:38).
• Hawk’s initial sympathies are with the animals (“I'm always rooting for the animals”), but he’s not anti-hunting—insisting that real benefits for Africans, not Westerners, should be the guiding principle (26:50–28:23).

“If the people are benefiting from it… as long as the people want it, I don’t have a problem with it. …America has a way of overstepping.”
— Hawk Newsome (27:37–28:23)

• They critique rhetoric around “trophy hunting,” noting all usable parts of animals are used and calling out hypocrisy in anti-hunting campaigns (29:41–34:28).

“This debate is going on around the world … because the phrase ‘trophy hunting’ has developed such a negative connotation.”
— Ashley (29:41)

6. Urban vs. Rural Perspectives; Fashion and Fur

• Hawk and Ashley discuss the cultural connection to animal products (furs, leather) in both black and mainstream American communities—sometimes at odds with modern-day activism and fashion trends.
• Hawk recounts the popularity of fur among black Americans (34:28–36:40) and shares stories of hypocrisy among celebrities who secretly buy real fur (36:40–37:34).

7. Hawk’s Upcoming First Hunt: Expectations and Outdoor Stories

• Hawk expresses fears about snakes but is determined to "conquer those fears" (37:41–39:23).
• Relates personal growth experience at a men’s wilderness retreat (Every Man), highlighting the importance for men to confront their vulnerabilities in natural settings (40:01–41:33).

8. Detailed Account of Racial Discrimination at a Gun Range

• Hawk details a recent incident at a Pennsylvania state-run shooting range (41:52–59:58), where he and a mixed group (predominantly people of color) were singled out for aggressive, arguably unlawful enforcement and interrogation by game wardens.
• He reflects on the feeling of being criminalized while other (white) shooters were left alone.

“It felt like Jim Crow. …Walk a mile in these size 15s.”
— Hawk Newsome (42:42)

• Despite following all laws and being a lawyer himself, Hawk was treated harshly, denied benefit of the doubt, and had his ID withheld while others were merely warned for the same behaviors (51:05–58:33).

“The only person who got called out for doing it was the black dude. … Everybody’s committing a crime, but we are the only ones being prosecuted.”
— Hawk Newsome (51:07)

• A white woman unrelated to his party even questioned the wardens about their obvious bias (58:33).

9. De-Escalation, Knowing Your Rights, and Advice

• Hawk and Ashley discuss practical strategies to de-escalate law enforcement encounters, emphasizing the need to know your rights and remain calm or, if necessary, stand on principle—while documenting everything (61:57–66:04).

“You have to know your rights. … If you assert yourself calmly… you get out of it with a ticket and you accept it’s harassment and fight back later. Or… you just don’t want to have your rights trampled on and know what you are doing.”
— Hawk Newsome (65:48)

10. Lighthearted Wrap-Up: “Two Truths and a Lie”

• Hawk reveals he secretly “loved Guns N’ Roses,” once lost most of his fights (including to a girl), and (falsely claims) he has never voted Republican—then admits voting for George W. Bush, sparking laughs and relatable stories (68:15–72:01).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We're Americans. We're not sheep… If anybody should be scared of government overreach, it should be people who were slaves on this land.”
  — Hawk Newsome (14:52, 20:49)

• “Sometimes you've just got to slow down and listen to the people you represent… I'm anti-exploitation.”
  — Hawk Newsome (28:23)

• “I'm just sick of… groups forcing their will on everybody. I think enough is enough.”
  — Hawk Newsome (33:12)

• “It’s a losing argument on black people because we love fur. I don’t know what it is, maybe it goes back to Africa…”
  — Hawk Newsome (34:28)

• “You handled that situation without it escalating… If someone is in a situation where they feel like they are being harassed… what are your tips?”
  — Ashley (60:25–61:57)

Important Timestamps

• 00:55 – Introduction of Hawk Newsome, episode’s context
• 06:35 – Origins of Ashley and Hawk’s friendship
• 11:18–13:17 – Hawk’s biography, activism, community impact
• 14:52–18:28 – Discussion of gun rights advocacy, personal firearms training
• 18:28–21:13 – Tying crime, economics, and empowerment
• 24:50–29:41 – Conservation politics, trophy ban legislation
• 34:28–37:34 – Urban African-American culture, furs, and hypocrisy in fashion
• 37:41–41:33 – Hawk’s wilderness self-discovery story, future hunt plans
• 41:52–59:58 – Racially charged gun range incident, systemic discrimination
• 61:57–66:04 – Know-your-rights guidance, handling law enforcement
• 68:15–72:01 – “Two truths and a lie,” comedic storytelling
• 72:51 – Plans for filming Hawk’s first hunt

Episode Takeaways

Though diametrically opposed in some views, Ashley and Hawk demonstrate how honest, cross-party, cross-cultural conversation can reveal common ground—on gun rights, conservation realities, and the importance of knowing and asserting one’s rights in the outdoor space. Hawk’s powerful storytelling and willingness to confront both personal vulnerability and systemic bias make this episode both substantive and deeply human.

For more info:

• If you’ve experienced discrimination or have insights about law enforcement and outdoor recreation, reach out to the Origins Foundation at 601-790-0607.
• Stay tuned for a follow-up podcast documenting Hawk’s first-ever hunt and his reflections as a new hunter.