President Donald Trump held an event in Atlanta to launch a new coalition meant to reach out to Black voters ahead of the 2020 election. The president delivered remarks at the World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta to kickstart what he hopes will be the beginning of an increase in his support in the black community.
In a recent Quinnipiac survey, Trump held 10 percent support among black people — a jump from six percent in 2016.
"I think I’m going to get a tremendous percentage of votes from the African Americans," Trump said to reporters on Sunday, according to USA Today. Trump added, "[We are seeing] the best unemployment numbers in the history of our country for African Americans."
In addition to the unemployment statistics Trump mentions, his other pitch will be the "success" of different initiatives toward criminal justice reform.
"Without me, you don't have criminal justice reform. And that was for African Americans more than anybody else," Trump claimed on Sunday, according to USA Today. "So I think my standing in the African American community is maybe the best."
Attendees at the conference were adamant on Twitter, claiming success for Trump.
What a total success the #BlackVoicesforTrump launch was today! pic.twitter.com/An9s4GjTAZ
— Stacy Washington (@StacyOnTheRight) November 9, 2019
THIS IS A MUST WATCH!
I HAD TO POST THIS!!
This Little boy was at the #BlackVoicesforTrump launch
Give this little boy a retweet & maybe Trump will invite him to White House. He loves President @realDonaldTrump
pic.twitter.com/AjvZdUF0GN— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) November 9, 2019
.@DiamondandSilk Great seeing you in Atlanta looking forward to working with you. #BlackVoicesforTrump ???????? pic.twitter.com/XJrelW9q9O
— Deneen Borelli (@deneenborelli) November 8, 2019
Wow! A lot of Folks in the African American Community will be saying ByeBye Democratic Party After today! #AfricanAmericansforTrump
#BlackVoicesforTrump
#BlacksForTrump
https://t.co/xuetsu8t8O— Cassandra (@CassandraEdora) November 8, 2019
"It takes a lot of courage to say you’re supporting Trump,” said Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson the crowd, according to The Washington Post. “Today, they say if you are a conservative, you’re somehow an Uncle Tom, you’re a horrible person, a demon. What a bunch of crap.”
Despite the conference and Trump's claims, experts seem to agree his efforts will not be effective in bringing the community on board after his numerous past actions.
"The majority of African Americans vote Democratic in elections," said Andra Gillespie, a political science professor at Emory University, to ABC News. "There is the fact the divisiveness started when he was a candidate, there seemed to be a lot of animus directed toward President Obama, who is beloved in the African American community."
Only time will tell whether Trump's attempts will be successful.
