I’ve been involved in the Republican Party for most of my adult life and continue to be amazed at the lack of interest the party shows toward the Black community. Those who have followed my writings over the years know that I have been extremely critical of the party regarding this issue. But, I have been even more critical of the individuals the party chooses to showcase as the face of <strong>Black Republicans</strong>. I find many of these individuals to be an embarrassment to me as a person of color, as well as to the Republican brand. Many of the Black faces that are trotted out in front of the cameras have absolutely no connection to the Black community.<br><br>
Despite public perception there are Black Republicans who possess both political and policy expertise that the party could and should tap in to. They exemplify the best of Republican values and thoroughly understand the need for the party to be more diverse. Here are some influential Black Republicans that most folks have never heard of but should. <em>—Raynard Jackson</em>
<strong>DR. ADA M. FISHER, MD, MPH</strong><br><br>
Dr. Fisher is currently serving as the National Committeewoman from the state of North Carolina, where she is part of the governing body that decides policy and direction for the Republican National Committee. She is the first African American to ever serve in this capacity in the history of the state of North Carolina. Dr. Fisher is also a life member of the NAACP and a lifelong Republican, like her father and grandfather. In addition, she is a civil rights pioneer, a physician, educator, and a frequently sought after public speaker. She is someone I affectionately call the “Fannie Lou Hamer” of the Republican Party—meaning she always speaks the truth as she sees it and cannot be bought off of her principles.
<strong>DAVID J. BYRD </strong><br><br>
A lifelong Republican from New Jersey, Byrd, has worked on the local, state and federal level in positions of great influence and power. He started off working for Lee Atwater at the Republican National Committee and then moved his way up to more influential positions. For instance, he served in several senior level positions with former Republican Governor of New Jersey, Christine Todd Whitman. These positions included Special Assistant to the Governor for Economic Development all the way to director, office of Small Business, New Jersey, Commerce and Economic Growth Commission. Byrd went on to be appointed by former president, George W. Bush, as Associate Commissioner, Office of External Affairs, U.S. Social Security Administration. He also served as Chief of Staff to former Maryland Republican Lt. Governor, Michael Steele. Byrd is now Managing Director of Global Political Solutions, a D.C. based government affairs firm.
<strong>SHANNON REEVES </strong><br><br>
Reeves holds the distinction of being the only person to serve four consecutive terms as President of the Oakland, CA branch of the NAACP. He is also the only person ever to serve simultaneously as an elected NAACP President and an elected officer of the California Republican Party (he served as Secretary of the California Republican Party, making him the highest-ranking Black party official in the state’s history). Reeves simultaneously founded Freedom Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization structured to manage and operate Chevron gas and convenience stores in Oakland, CA. This inner-city business enterprise maintained a staff of approximately 37 employees and generated annual sales of approximately $13 million. Currently, Reeves is the Managing Partner of Reeves Strategies, LLC, a government affairs, corporate relations and political consulting firm. He was elected to the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee in 2011.
<strong>MIA LOVE</strong><br><br>
Love is the current mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah and a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. If elected, she would be the first Black Republican female ever elected to Congress. She ran for a seat on the city council in 2004 and after serving six years, ran for and became mayor. Under her leadership, Saratoga Springs has the highest bonding rating for a city of its size—AA+. Smart money is saying that she has an excellent chance of winning the Republican nomination for Congress, as well as winning the seat. Regardless of what happens with this race, you have not heard the last of Mia Love.
<strong>FRANCIS M. JOHNSON </strong><br><br>
Johnson is both a “money” guy and a grassroots organizer. He plays on the money level within the Republican Party and has the ability to make a few phone calls and raise thousands of dollars very quickly. Just as important, as a public relations executive, he has the ability and understanding of how to mobilize voters into action. Johnson is a grassroots organizer that many in the party have come to depend on.
<strong>JENNIFER CARROLL</strong><br><br>
Carroll is the Trinidadian born Florida Lt. Governor. She is the first Black and first female elected to this office in the state’s history. She formerly served in the Florida House of Representatives and is the highest elected Black Republican in the U.S. Carroll could have a bright future in Republican politics, but to my dismay, most Americans (even Blacks) have never heard of her. Part of the reason is her lack of a personal political organization. Unfortunately, she is making the same mistake that elected Black Republicans have made forever—not building their own political machine. If she doesn’t correct this mistake, she to will end up in the Black Republican museum of anonymity.
<strong>RAPHAEL “RAFFI” WILLIAMS</strong><br><br>
Williams is one of the smartest young guys coming up in the Republican Party. A recent graduate of Haverford College in Pennsylvania, He is currently Communications Director at Benishek for Congress. He left a position of Staff Assistant for the House Rules Committee to go on the campaign trail. Within 10-15 years, I expect him to manage a Republican presidential campaign. Williams will definitely be a “go to” political operative within the next couple of years.
<strong>ALLEGRA F. MCCULLOUGH</strong><br><br>
McCullough was appointed by then Republican Virginia Governor, Jim Gilmore, as the first African American in the state’s history to become Assistant Secretary of the Commonwealth. Later, she was appointed by then president, George W. Bush to be Regional Administration for the Small Business Administration (SBA). McCullough received her undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Marymount University. She is a former high school English and drama teacher and has also worked as a marketing and human resource consultant, corporate trainer and television producer. Many Republican elected officials still frequently seek McCullough out for advice.
<strong>PATRICIA FUNDERBURK WARE</strong><br><br>
Ware served as a Presidential Appointee in both the George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush Administrations as Director of the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs; Executive Director of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, respectively. During the Clinton Administration, she served as a member of the Collaborative Working Group on HIV/AIDS and Women. She is now involved with the Obama Administration’s White House Office of Public Engagement regarding Africa and African Diaspora issues. Mrs. Ware has testified before the U.S. Congress and state legislatures on adolescent sexuality, HIV/AIDS and related issues.
<strong>TIM PERSON</strong><br><br>
Person is a former St. Louis, MO Democrat who came to realize that the Republican Party was more in synch with his fiscal and moral beliefs than the Democratic Party. He served as Chief of Staff of the Circuit Clerk of the City of St. Louis and then the Executive Assistant to the mayor of the City of St. Louis (both Democrats). He now serves as an advisor and consultant to Republican elected officials throughout the state of Missouri.
Very informative article. I didn’t know a lot of these men and women. I look forward to the next ten!
Veronica Jenkins
Interesting perspective….I like the lead in.
Tracy
Thank you for compiling this list of amazing, accomplished people. It is unfortunate that most of us do not know these names. Thanks to you, now we do! Keep ‘em coming!
Agaba
Mr. Jackson,
Your concern about Republican Party showing less interest in the black community is very vital and I hope by addressing it now and more just like you are doing in this magazine would give a wakeup call to the party, it’s never too late. Otherwise, I would advise you to vote for Obama for the second term. My regards!
Du’shawn
Black Republicans isn’t That a OXYMORON!!!
scc
Actually no because there are a lot of black Republicans due to the fact that Republicans helped to abolish slavery. Also, most Republicans are God fearing individuals like most blacks. You should google some information on how many blacks in this country are Republican. You will be surprised.
knowyourhistory
study your history, scc. republicans of today are not the same as the republicans who helped abolish slavery. the beliefs are totally different. you should look more around the time of the Great Depression and the FDR era when the political parties’ beliefs switched. the only reason blacks still have loyalty to the republican party is that misguided notion that they helped end slavery.
Eric L. Wattree
The old Southern Dixiecrats migrated to the Republican Party during the Civil Rights era of the sixties. they make up the Rick Santorum/Sarah Palin wing of the Republican Party. So if the civil War was going on today the Republican Party would be the Confederacy. If you doubt that look around you at the next Republican convention.
B.J. Knippel
I am a southern, white female Republican who volunteered at SCLC Headquarters in Atlanta during the 60′s, and also attended the Nobel Peace Prize Dinner for Dr. King that was held in Atlanta. The old time Civil Rights leaders—Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, etc.—are doing more damage to race relations with their ranting than trying to heal old wounds. We need to listen to Dr. King’s words.
There are white and black racists—-those of us who aren’t need to show that things have changed—-I still remember the separate entrances for blacks and whites—doesn’t make much sense, does it???
Let’s look at Tim Scott, Republican from low country S.C., who won his seat in a predominantly white district—then there is Michael Williams, Texas; Mike Webb, DJ from New York; Col. Allen West, Florida—things are changing. Unfortunately, and sadly, President Obama has shown his lack of business experience and his far leftist leanings which haven’t little or nothing to do with the color of his skin.
Why is it that the South is the only part of the country that gets tagged as being racist???? What about all of the black racists that are continuing to generate hatred and rhetoric against people of a different color?
Jae
Thank you for introducing many of us to these prominent Republicans. I am interested in hearing what they think about the level of hatred that is directed towards the first African American President by their fellow Republicans . Maybe there is a reason that they don’t emerge from the shadows and identify with the sad state of the Republican party. I know I would be embarrassed to call myself a Black Republican these days. Just Sayin…
Shavoris Antwon
Not surprise, majority of black GOP’s are either from the North or their generations were GOP’s. Hopefully they would stand up against the bigotry and ignorance from the white GOP’s so that people of all race would understand their philosophy and politics.
Wayne Frazier
Great list of accomplished sisters and brothers. Their work stands for something and they all have helped others. I am impressed by them as well as you Mr Jackson. It’s ashame we have to be associated with party’s!
Michael Camphor
These are the “spooks sitting by the door”. They work behind the scenes on behalf of their race more than some of the Democratic media hounds talking loud and saying much much less doing nothing. Judge them by the content of their character not the political banner they wear. I just learned Raynard is a Republican which gives even more credence to the sentiments I expressed.
EVE
@Mr. Camphor- I don’t care what they do, STOP using terms as you did! YOU are as bad as any Communist Democrat I have ever heard! And do as much damage!
Keith Childress
@Eve. To Mr Camphor’s defense I present the following:I can understand why you may have been affected by him using the term “The Spook Who Sat By The Door” if you didn’t know that he is referring to a book that was written in 1969 by Sam Greenlee. Mr Camphor is actually paying them a compliment. This was also a movie.
Spook Who Sat by the Door
1973PG102 minutes
After spending several years in Washington as the CIA’s token black agent, Dan Freeman (Lawrence Cook) quietly returns to Chicago to launch a potent political revolution made up of leftist radicals and black nationalists. The goal of his well-trained guerilla army? To launch an all-out offensive against the nation’s white-dominated power structure. Ivan Dixon, best known for his role as Sgt. “Kinch” Kinchloe on “Hogan’s Heroes,” directs.
The novel continues to be a very important work reflecting upon the harsh realities of African Americans living in the United States in the face of racism, violence and oppression. Greenlee’s novel is, in a sense, a manual on how to be a successful revolutionary by beating the system at its own game. Greenlee demonstrates through his character Dan Freeman, how important cooperation is among oppressed peoples in the fight for equality and freedom. Greenlee, years after the release of his book and the film, reflects upon the various messages of his work: “One of the things I was saying with that book is that gangs could become the protector of the community rather than predators”. He goes on to say, “…the purpose of the film was to encourage blacks to create an action plan to ‘survive in the belly of the beast’ rather than always reacting as victims of a racist society”. By working intimately with Ivan Dixon, Greenlee’s powerful book was transferred to the big screen without losing its strong revolutionary messages. Yet, the film and the book were both received with great hesitation and resistance by certain sectors of society.
So please understand that Mr Camphor was not being derogatory.Also,Communism and the Democratic Party are not synonyms!
Jacqueline Kotvas
Awesome article Rayard! Keep up the great work!
Boyd Rutherford
Good column. You identified several “unsung heros.”
Robert Broadus
A great primer for those unacquainted with the up-and-coming Blacks stars of the GOP. Find more at the Frederick Douglass foundation (frederickdouglassfoundation.com) who put out a calendar each year, or the National Black Republican Association (nbra.info.) In 2008, over 40 Black Republicans ran for Congress, and of that number, 13 went on to the general election. We all know that Allen West & Tim Scott (BOTH in the Deep South) were elected. Looking at the numbers, Black Republicans are able to win in majority-White districts, whereas EVERY Democratic member of the CBC comes from a majority-Black district. Think about what that means for upward mobility for Blacks. Conservative Black Republicans are not “tokens,” they are LEADERS. It is high time we had many more!
gumgumluelue
What are the black republican saying when the man republican runing president is talking about black poor people is on food stamp. The things that come out their mouth is so sad. I know my God is not satisfied with that.
gumgumluelue
What are the black republican saying when the man republican running president is talking about black poor people is on food stamp. The things that come out their mouth is so sad. I know my God is not satisfied with that.
Malcolm Lewis Barnes
Good to see at least one familiar Washington Insider – Allegra McCullough – on the list. The piece reminds me of a story one of my Howard classmates told about why he joined the Republican party after her graduated from law school and established his practice in Harrisburg, PA – “The line was shorter!” I still admire his pragmatism, but the unfortunate reality is that the black face of the party is still dominated by political bafoons the likes of Herman Cain and “Silent” Clarence Thomas, while the dedicated hard workers in the trenches are not rewarded but marginalized by the party!
Eric L. Wattree
You’re absolutely right about that, Malcolm. For me, a Black Republican makes about as much sense as a Jewish Nazi. So Black people who are under the delusion that they’re going to have any impact on the Republican Party is directly analogous to a Christian woman who thinks she’s going to change a crack head.
Madeline LaCore
Very Informative. Thanks for writing it.
G. Fofana
Thank you Raynard as usual for sharing some knowledge. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, it is always far more powerful to be armed with information.
levonjaw
This is a VERY impressive group. I’m hoping they’re on Twitter, so i can follow them. Thanks for sharing!
Raynard Jackson
levon, also, add me 2 ur facebook
kim
Your list is good, but I have personally come across hundreds of prominent conservative blacks in the GOP, some way more prominent than these few…it is a shame that this list gives the idea that they are a rarity.
The foolish racist comments that fill this page only goes to show that most Americans are extremely uninformed and would rather take their voting information from corrupt political rhetoric than looking around with their eyes and ears wide open.
Only a blind man sees the world as it was.
EVE
@Kim, that is what I was just saying.. I KNOW there must be so many more, and I am proud of anyone who will serve their country in this capacity. The mistake that liberals make is that white people are automatically prejudiced… WRONG! And most of the time, I think they just USE that, as a way to start trouble! It is, after all, in the Alinsky play book. The fact that we do NOT care what color anyone is, will never be believed, simply because it has been told that is the case, for so long! But I will never stop trying to let all people know that we do NOT care who or what they are! As long as they are honest and uphold our Constitution. I don’t care about anything else!
Raynard Jackson
Kim, never said Black Republicans are a rarity…There are tons more, but am limited by space….
Ginger
If DRUDGE would pick up this article these 10 would be picked up in the news more and more.
So well written.
SCAVENGERMEISTER
Eve this is the great Satan you and everyone who wrote did such a great job that it often reminds me of anything great and right there is no color! If you want to pursue this I will show you how! Contact KEVIN JACKSON @ THEBLACKSPHERE@GMAIL.COM. SIMPLY TELL HONK WASSUP AND THE GREAT SATAN AKA LEANED TO CONTACT HIM CONCERNING THIS TOPIC DEAR TRUST ME KEVIN IS A GOOD MAN AND CAN PUT THIS TOGETHER C-YA DEAR
EVE
Why haven’t we seen or heard of this wonderful group before? I am sure there are even more we would love to know and someday, fight for their presence in the Congress or higher! God bless them!
Tracy
To Jae,
Speaking only for myself, I don’t care what color he is. I despise him for lying about his Anti-American preacher that he listened to and supported for 20 years. Also that he apologized ti the French for how Americans act. He is a arrogant, narcissistic smart ass that can’t handle constructive criticism with lashing out and threatening to investigate them. I hate that he did nothing to the new black panthers that intimated voters. The list is endless. Smug regarding his birth certificate also. There are plenty of qualified black men that could do this job without dividing the nation. Notice how he instigates the division of the parties. And I questions whoever it was that initially nominated him. I would love ro know who that was.
EVE
@Tracy, it’s hard to make anyone who used Saul Alinsky, for their playbook! They tell a lie long enough until it becomes the truth, and becomes destructive to what ever entity they are against! What used to be the Democrat party, is now the Communist party, with little veil over their faces! We know what they are.
gumgumluelue
What color are you? You don’t know him.You don’t know them. You have been brain wash. The white republican don’t you. And if you are poor.White or black. They don’t care. What have they done for you lately?
MLColey
Raynard you do a fine job of educating people. You are not afraid to say what needs to be said–that is good.
This is an excellent piece for people to discuss and analyze. You certainly have a way of bringing that out in folks. I also like that you took the time to locate these folks and put them out front so that others can see that there are many other republicans that look like us. Many folks are just not aware…Good Job Raynard! Congratulations on your new endeavor to reach even more people.
Peace,
Michelle
Karen Lundgren
It is wonderful to see strong young people stepping up to take the torch. I hope Raffi is able to influence many of his peers to get involved.
Raynard Jackson
Karen, beleive me, you will be hearing LOTS fomr Rafi….
jparker@firstblackamerica.com
I figured there would have been a lot more to call from but I only knew two of these names.
Jarrell
There’s an error in the summary of Jennifer Carroll. It seems as if it should read she’s the highest elected Black Republican official in the State of Florida. Florida currently has a U.S. Congressman Allen West and that would make him on of the highest elected Black Republican in the U.S.
Raynard Jackson
Jarrell, not true, Lt. Gov is statewide, whereas congressman is for a specific district, thus Carroll has a higher ranking…
April Richardson
Mr. Jackson, I appreciate you enlightening me about 10 Black Republicans that are serving their counties, states and country. I learned that to grow intellectually requires listening to ideologies that are different than mine. Common ground can be found if you look hard enough. I appreciate the fact that we have brown faces on both sides of the aisle. It should serve as a reminder to all…that we are not homogeneous.
Terrill Charming
I love to see other black Republicans. I am often left in the dark among my friends. I also feel people dont fully understand the background of the parties when choosing. I’m happy to see others have been successful in their journeys as black Republicans. Very informative.
I am really happy about this list of people. Yes! There are more prominent black conservatives, but this list will keep the narrow minded people’s eyes and minds broader.
msrosthe1
Great compilation on Who’ Who among the Bkavk Republicans.
msrosthe1
msrosthe1 says:
April 17, 2012 at 9:55 pmo
Great compilation on Who’s Who among the Black Republicans!
Reply
alice sutton
Excellent article! Dissemination of this kind of information should help bring competition for the black voter. Republicans too often ignore us and Democrats, including President Obama, universally take us for granted.
Claire Nelson
Thanks for including Caribbean American Lt. Govenor Jennifer Carroll.. We are very proud of her accomplishments in the Caribbean American community — as she is living positive proof of the continuing contributions of Caribbean immigrants to this country from founding father.. Alexander Hamilton.. top Black Anthem writer James Weldon Johnson and countless others…
Celebrate June…National Caribbean American Heritage Month http://www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org
Keith Childress
A job well done Mr Jackson!
Ramona Brackeen
If I remember my history correctly, the current day Democratic party started out as the Republican party. Excellent article! Our morals should dictate how we view our political beliefs.
Kenneth Koepnick
Great Article. Could only make it through 4 though till the photos freeze up. Thanks for shining a light.
Tony
To the uninformed commenters that keep posting about how the democrat party is for blacks and the republican party is against blacks … what world are you living in? One needs to simply look at the inner city and the entitlement culture brought forth by the democrat party. Seems to me they’re keeping them on the ‘plantation’, they just don’t call it slavery anymore. If they didn’t want to keep people down and dependent on the government, they’d make it easier for people to succeed without thinking they need a handout.
Anne Collins
I think this is very interesting, and these people all seem like they are very successful and a source of pride to their community. I really wish people would not hate on black people who are democrat, republican, libertarian, whatever. Black people are allowed to have the same range of political views as white people. If you disagree with the economics or any other issue, then say that. But don’t tell people they “can’t be black and think such and such”. Vote democrat if you think that’s best, because that’s your right. But don’t say the Democratic Party owns the whole concept of blackness. They don’t. Let people be whatever they want. That’s called freedom, and isn’t that what we want?
Earl Kubin
(I’ve been involved in the Republican Party for most of my adult life and continue to be amazed at the lack of interest the party shows toward the Black community.)
That’s unfortunate! But from our Tea Party perspective in Houston we would ‘LOVE’ to see more involvement from everyone. I’m an Independent Conservative and personally have intense distain for the current and past hegemony of the Republican Party, who’s been lead by the nose by a few radical communist. Allen West is a black skinned American DO YOU THINK I GIVE A DAMN – HELL NO. I love the man, his passion and commitment to saving America from the print money spend our future away party’s of the same congress has my attention. We have to cut the size of the ‘Federal Government’ first. It’s too damn big and we can’t afford it – end of story! I say cut the federal piggy’s 90% and turn over social management to the states where it belongs.
Linda J Hendrix
me too (about Col West) – I hope Romney chooses him for VP. He is a man of strength, courage, integrity – qualities that America needs. I think he would be a “partner” to Romney – helping him in leading the country back to success, respect and prosperity.
I listen to Kevin Jackson a lot… he is a black radio personality and has a blog The Blacksphere. He is a hoot – not afraid to tell it like it is all the while representing people of color. I admire him very much and wish more people – black and white could listen to him. By the way – I am an old patriotic white woman who was raised an Army brat. My husband was killed in Vietnam in 68 fighting next to Hispanics, blacks, and geeks, all who he dearly loved. I know it is hard for many black people to speak up for their beliefs… I often have to just nod and listen to some of my family members try to shove undocumented facts down my throat as not to rock the boat.
I just want the best for America and it is not too good right now. Mr O is pitting people against one another… and people are dying for it…unnecessarily. shame on him.
card cheap credit machine
Hmm i hope you dont get annoyed with this question, but how much does a website like yours earn?
Campbell
As the Democratic party continues to neglect the African-American community and issues, more people of color are considering the Republic Party as an alternative because the Republican party is reaching out to the African-American community and are making promises to deliver prestige and results.
Allegra McCullough
Thank you, Raynard for taking notice and for creating an engaging discussion. I describe myself first as a child of God, then as a Black woman. All else is is defined by the first two descriptions. Declaring my political views as conservative, simply measures the level of my conservatism. My conservative views do not mean that I walk lock-step with anyone. An assessment of my political appointments clearly show that diversity and incusion were the cornerstones of my successes, and that the sincerity of my missions transcended to thousands of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other career employees who were the “wind beneath my wings”. My political appointments allowed me to serve my country. For that, I’m extremely grateful.
Don Scoggins
After President Obama leaves office more blacks will feel comfortable identifying with the Republican Party. Scarce jobs and unstable economy will compel us to create our own employment. Especially for young bright individuals with energy and enthusiasm this is going to success. Whether only for a limited period entrepreneurship offers many rewards. And often times the only path towards genuine financial independence. Despite its current internal warring factions and inhospitable perception the GOP portends for our race its most advantaged future.
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