OPINION:
My mother recently reminded me that my grandad was a Black conservative as well as the deacon in the AME church and a successful entrepreneur. He provided, for free, the materials to build our community church. When ask by other Black pastors why he was a Republican, he would answer, “Because I like money!” And it was White Republicans who assisted him in developing is business.
It makes me feel proud that he was outspoken as a conservative and an influential leader, a pillar in the community. I believe there is a high level of confusion among African-Americans with regard to what it means to be a Black conservative. Historically, before the 1960s African-Americans were more associated with Republicans due to President Lincoln, but after the 1964 election in which when Barry Goldwater switched the “Solid South” to voting Republican and President Johnson’s civil rights legislation and the Great Society program of 1965, African-Americans began favoring Democratic ideals. Yes, even though those “Solid South” Democrats were segregationist.
Currently Black conservatives who align with the Republican Party are so demonized by the media that many remain silent out of fear of ostracization and censorship. I know many Black conservatives who are doctors, lawyers, professional athletes and entertainers — but you wouldn’t know it because we have seen through social media the unrelenting attacks on openly conservative Black people.
As long as media outlets continue to push the liberal agenda, the views of Black conservatives will remain in the shadows.
GREG RALEIGH
Washington
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