AU: Pushing for Conservatives of Color

One of the biggest problems facing the Republican Party is the perception that it is not welcoming to minority groups. To many Republicans, this upsets us- after all, our party freed the slaves, our party fought against slavery, our party fought the racial segregation in the south, our party passed the Civil Rights bills over Democrat's objections, and our party today pushes an agenda that minority groups should support.

The Republican Party has pushed for educational reform and accountability- not to help out the rich kids in the white schools, but to help out those stuck in failing schools in predominantly urban areas. The Republican party has pushed for welfare reform- not to hurt minority groups but to help them to gain dignity and freedom by moving off of the welfare rolls of the state to making their own living in this world. The Republican Party pushes for more crime fighting and tougher punishments on criminals, ideas that should be winning in communities that sadly have higher rates of crime. The Republican Party is the party that fights the drug culture that is so corrupting to the inner cities and minority communities. The Republican Party fought against raising the minimum wage, which studies have shown cause higher unemployment in minority groups. On issue after issue, it is Republicans who are pushing policies and ideas that would benefit minority groups, and yet the perception remains that Republicans and their ideas are wrong.

This is partly the own fault of the Republican Party, and efforts need to be made to change this perception. Akindele Unleashed discussed this in a recent column-read the full column by linking here- here are some highlights:

However, it seems like the biggest challenge is how Republicans can approach urban areas. The answer is simple. Just talk about issues that are relevant. I think I brought this up several times in our discussion. Instead of template talking points and foreign platforms I stressed the need for discussions on mental health, family building, global education, and even participating in race relation discussions. The key here is relationship building.

We know the GOP has ties with various Chamber of Commerces across the State of Michigan but are we partnering with other community based groups who have direct access to people in our community? When was the last time the GOP connected with Focus Hope? The North Oakland Republican Club volunteered to work in a soup kitchen in Pontiac not too long ago. Most GOP clubs will not even conduct meetings in urban communities. That alone shows the disconnect.

Civic education forums are needed to inform constituents on the issues as well as creating solutions. I said nothing about bashing elected officials. I said solutions. If the GOP becomes more solution-oriented we will see a positive outcome in urban communities.

Akindele hit on a couple important ideas that Republicans should be well aware of- relationship, making the effort to reach out, and focusing on solutions. Every Republican can should heed this advice- they can not afford to not to if they want to help out minority groups in our nation.