Community safety is a vital concern for many, particularly in contexts where trust in state institutions such as the police is low. The concept of building safety without the state embraces community-led efforts to ensure protection and justice. This approach often aligns with abolitionist principles, which call for dismantling oppressive systems including policing and incarceration, and replacing them with community-based alternatives that prioritize restorative justice and mutual aid. Black gun ownership plays a significant role in some communities as a form of self-defense and empowerment, challenging narratives that disarm marginalized groups. Advocates emphasize that self-defense is a fundamental right, underscoring the necessity for individuals and communities to protect themselves without dependence on institutions that have historically been sources of harm or neglect. Community defense initiatives promote organizing, mutual support, and proactive measures to create safe environments. These can include neighborhood patrols, conflict resolution programs, and educational workshops that focus on safety skills and legal rights. The hashtag #libertad highlights the broader quest for freedom from systemic oppression and control. By fostering community resilience and solidarity, this model aims to reduce violence and improve overall well-being. It encourages reimagining safety beyond traditional law enforcement, envisioning a society where people feel secure by virtue of their collective strength and care for one another. Understanding these efforts provides insight into emerging social movements seeking transformative change in how safety and justice are pursued.