Our Mission & Values
United In Defense is dedicated to the highest quality of firearm safety training, delivered with energy intellect, and strength. We value safety, knowledge, and unity. Our goal is to bring unity through educating the community on their 2A rights and gun ownership and safety
Educating and breaking stigmas in urban communities.
— LISWA, Founder
I’daysha Liswa is the Founder and CEO of United In Defense and a licensed NRA Firearms Instructor. With over five years of hands-on firearm experience, Liswa is committed to equipping individuals with the fundamental skills and safety knowledge required for responsible firearm ownership and operation.
She holds certifications in NRA Pistol, Rifle, and Concealed Carry (CCW) Instructor Training, and is recognized as a certified instructor in over 30 states. Safety is the cornerstone of her instruction, and her mission is rooted in empowering others through education.
Liswa’s passion began in high school, where she enjoyed airsofting with her AEG steel M4. As she grew older, so did her respect for firearms and her desire to master their safe operation. In 2020, she took a major step by becoming an NRA-certified instructor—one of only three Black women in her training class, and the only women present. That experience fueled her drive to provide inclusive, unbiased, and relatable training, particularly for women and underrepresented communities.
Through United In Defense, she has created a welcoming academy centered on education, unity, and empowerment. Liswa’s goal is to educate her community not only on the responsibilities of firearm ownership but also on their Second Amendment rights. She is dedicated to breaking stigmas surrounding firearms—especially within the African American community—by offering high-quality, accessible training for all.
EDUCATE EMPOWER UNITE THROUGH FIREARM KNOWLEDGE, FIREARM SAFETY, & GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ~ LISWA
2nd Amendment and DC History
The 2nd Amendment was passed in 1789 and ratified in 1791. It gives and protects your right to bear arms and protect yourself. Up until the 1960’s, there were no strict gun laws. Gun laws came into play in the 1960’s due to the Government wanting to prevent the Black Panther Party and other African Americans from bearing arms. DC in particular was restricted from having firearms in 1976. Congress took away DC resident’s rights to acquire handguns in a 12-1 Vote (DC needs to be a State so pressure Congress to pass the HR 51 bill)
In 2003 Parker VS DC – DC was sued for the banning of keeping handguns at home.
In 2007 Heller VS DC – DC circuit court found the firearm restriction law unconstitutional
There were 2 more Heller Cases afterward II, III, up until September 18, 2015 when DC Courts found the regulations on firearms unconstitutional.
In 2014 July Palmer Vs DC – DC Court found the ban on open concealed carry unconstitutional. However, during the same time they created the “Good Reason Law”
The “Good Reason Law” placed in regulations that made it harder for DC residents to get a firearm. Some of the regulations were:
1. Reregistration every 3 years
2. Not being able to register more than 1 firearm a month
3. Required to pass a written exam before registering
4. Firearm inspection
5. If getting a shotgun you need 2 licensed firearm witnesses
In 2015 Wrenn Vs DC The “Good Reason Law” was found unconstitutional
In 2017 Grace VS DC got rid of “good reason” altogether.
The new regulations are that applicants need to pass a background check and complete training.
DC Residence suffered a 40 year loss to the natural alienated right to bear firearms.
Even now congress has created the DC Red Flag law in 2018 – Removing firearms from “potentially dangerous individuals”
DC needs to be a State, so pressure Congress to pass the HR 51 bill