As the presidential election trail heats up and we learn more and more about the candidates and their respective parties, some might wonder if there are any black Republicans and if so where? It might seem like an oxymoron, but in order to keep it fair and balanced, we thought to shout out as many Republicans giving public service a good name. This week on #StopAskingForPermission we bring to you a list of black Republicans who, though their ideologies may raise red flags, are still doing their best to be diligent public servants. If any names are missing that should have been on the list, it’s because we were unable to find receipts, please do share below.
1. Colin Powell
You may know him as being the first black person to serve as Secretary of State during the Bush administration who resigned due to a few tricky and complicated issues. Though he’s a notable Republican, he endorsed Obama in 2008 and also runs a non profit called America’s Promise Alliance with his wife, where they have made a commitment to making sure children of all socioeconomic levels receive necessary resources to succeed.
2. Condoleeza Rice
We all remember her as Secretary of State but did you know that she played a piano accompaniment during an Aretha Franklin performance with the Philadelphia orchestra to raise money for inner city music education? She’s also the first woman and the first African-American provost of Stanford University. I mean, she gets points for backing up the Queen of Soul.
3. Ben Carson
Once a presidential candidate hopeful, Ben Carson hasn’t always been in the spotlight when it comes to politics. He’s been known for being an outstanding neurosurgeon at John Hopkins University. Despite his strong conservative views, He and wife Candy have awarded over 7,500 students with scholarships through the Carson Scholars Fund. They have continued to make it a mission of helping students get the financial support they need to continue their education.
4. Mia Love
Congresswoman Mia Love currently represents Utah’s Fourth District ( Yes we said Utah) in the United States House of Representatives. She has taken on fighting for fairness for Veteran families and improving transparency and accountability in government. She’s just passed a bill to offer loans to families and small businesses in Utah to pursue the American Dream, and continues to push for relief for veteran families.
5. Tim Scott
U.S. Senator Tim Scott hails from the lovely state of South Carolina. Senator Scott is a proud black southern Republican. He has taken on issues such as racial reconciliation and youth success. He currently has Opportunity Agenda where he has set out plans to help create laws and programs that ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
6. Michael Steele
Michael Steele is the first black person elected to statewide office in Maryland, taking office as lieutenant governor in January 2003. He helped to redefine the state of Maryland’s commitment to small and minority businesses. After serving as lieutenant governor he went on to be the first black person to be the chair of the Republican National Committee. A huge advocate of HBCU’s, despite being a Republican, Steele has continued to fight against the racial barriers that exist within and outside of the party.
7. Robert P. Young
Detroit native Judge Robert P. Young is the highest elected black official serving the state of Michigan. Despite his conservative views and stance, he still finds time to take a community oriented approach and speak to young men and their fathers about his personal racial injustice stories and his ability to make it to Harvard. Judge Young’s story goes to show that even though we are divided by party lines, racial barriers still exist on both sides.
8. Scott Turner
For most NFL players, when their career comes to an end, they retire and might become sports commentators or go into coaching. No one ever expects a former NFL Player to become a state legislator. Scott Turner once played for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Now Turner is serving the state of Texas where he has made it his mission to fight for more educational opportunities for all children in Texas.
9. Richard Ivory
In the past we’ve covered the Hip Hop Lobbyist and discussed his quest to merge the world of hip hop and politics together. Along the same lines Richard Ivory began HipHopRepublican.com. He wanted to create an online community for black Republicans to discuss issues that were important them. Outside of making sure there’s a safe haven for voices to be heard, Ivory works as a counselor to the mentally ill.
If there’s anything you can learn from the nine individuals listed here, it’s that no matter what your party affiliation is, you matter. Your voice matters in public service, so call it what you will but do the work.
