November 7, 2023

In recent times, the words of prominent Black conservative Kathy Barnette, who serves as the national grassroots director for presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, have sparked controversy on X, formerly Twitter. She said, “Black people are either pretty dumb or… well, pretty dumb. It’s like that time when Black people sold other Black people to slavers for broken pieces of glass or other trinkets.” These remarks highlight a deep divide that we must urgently address. 

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The chasm between some Black conservatives, as exemplified by Kathy Barnette, and the broader Black community is stark. However, it’s not enough to reconcile; we must passionately unite around shared goals and aspirations. Black conservatives must acknowledge that their message should be delivered with genuine empathy and unwavering respect. 

These controversial comments are not isolated incidents. Black conservatives have too often found themselves in conflict with the Black community due to poorly chosen words. Therefore, it is imperative to confront this divide, not by delving into personal motives, but by acknowledging the urgent necessity to rebuild bridges of mutual understanding and cooperation.

Rekindling this relationship is about more than just dialogue; it’s a heartfelt plea for Black conservatives to set aside divisive rhetoric and embrace meaningful conversations. The stakes are too high to allow this rift to persist. Consequently, we must acknowledge the profound strength that lies in unity and shared values, mending the schism that currently separates these two groups.

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In a world marked by polarization and division, the need for a united front has never been more crucial. It’s time for Black conservatives to approach the Black community with a message capable of resonating and driving positive transformation. This is an earnest call for reconciliation, comprehension, and collaboration, with the potential to reshape the political landscape and pave the way toward a more robust  future.

To truly unite Black conservatives with the Black community, we must fearlessly acknowledge and address the very real concerns that exist. The biggest hurdle we face is the perception that Black conservatives may not genuinely care about the best interests of the Black community or, worse, that we may inadvertently lend a voice to racism.

The solution is found in forging a deep, personal connection between Black conservatives and the Black community. Let me use my own life as an example. I am a Black conservative, raising four wonderful Black children. When we discuss issues like Black-on-Black crime, it’s not because I’m a puppet for White supremacy. No, it’s because I’m a Black parent who knows the bone-deep fear of sending my children out into the world, not knowing what dangers they might face or if they’ll make it back home safely.

Like any other Black American, I long for a peaceful and safe community. I want the same thing as you do. We must hold those who commit crimes accountable, but we should also passionately advocate for criminal justice reform that gives people a second chance and doesn’t overpunish for minor offenses. This approach isn’t just about words; it’s about our shared desire for a brighter, safer future for every member of the Black community.

The most interesting thing is when you strip away the political affiliation, the majority of Black voters want strong police protection; they just want fair policing, just like any other community. Their fundamental wish is for fair and equitable policing that keeps their neighborhoods safe and treats them with respect and justice. This common ground can serve as a powerful starting point for building bridges and fostering understanding across the political spectrum.

Addressing the accusations of racism or downplaying it within the Black conservative community is a matter of great importance. In my view, the most effective way to combat racism is through education and confronting this evil head-on. We should not shy away from acknowledging the existence of racism, but rather educate people about its impact and work collectively to eliminate it.