NRAAC's National Chair Response to HCGOP Chair Von Schaaf

HAMILTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS 

                                         

                                                                                                 Rev. Dr. Shirley Ray, Hamilton County Chair 

TNRAAC's Websites:  

http://tnraacaucus.org 

http://tnraacaucus.ning.com 

http://tnraac.blogspot.com  

March 1, 2011

   

Posted by: Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

NRAAC Nat'l Chair

NRAAC's National Chair Response to HCGOP Chair Von Schaaf

Normally as national chair of the National Republican African American Caucus (NRAAC), I do not get involved in our local caucuses, and leave this to the state chairs. But in this case, because I also serve as the Tennessee Vice Chair of the Tennessee Republican African American Caucus (TNRAAC), I am more involved in what happens within the state of Tennessee.   

Our goal at the national and state levels is to facilitate inclusion of African Americans who share some of the same core values of the Republican Party.  To this end, we remain committed.

As a part of that commitment, as the national chair, and as one who is home based in Hamilton County, I remain grieved at the lack of inclusion at the local county GOP level. Despite us having in excess of over 1000 African American Republicans, we still feel unwanted, under utilized and devalued by those in leadership. As a result of this, many have become greatly discouraged. Recently under the helm of Delores Vinson, we saw a lifting of that veil as she sought to include us in meaningful ways and with a welcoming spirit. We appreciate this. However, our fear is that we now have returned to the exclusive atmosphere that began in 2000.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Schaaf took our local position on inclusion so personal. As an experienced leader at the national level, I respect the right of anyone to criticize or to voice an opinion, without me taking it personal. So in the case of Mr. Schaaf's e-mail response to me, I will not resort to personal attacks against him. However we do not recant our position on inclusion. Nevertheless, we do feel the need to clear the record.

The statement regarding targeting the two black legislative districts was made at the January 2011 Hamilton County Reorganization Convention. Mr. Schaaf is correct in saying he did not specifically call Representatives Brown or Favors by name. However, since they are the only African American legislators, it was assumed. Our position remains the same on this.  

"To this our Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus says, none of us are interested. Because if the only way a qualified African American Republican can be elected in Hamilton County is to be elected out of districts that are comprised of people of our own race; and this is the only way in which the local party seeks parity and opportunities for African American Republicans, then it is discrimination and we say no thank you.

We have qualified candidates who as Republicans ought to be able to run out of any Republican district and win. That is, if the local GOP is color blind and there truly is no racial issue, as some have suggested. So either you give us the same rights as others within the party or you don't do it at all."

As to the other statements made regarding me personally, I will not comment. My 32 year GOP reputation, commitment and leadership across America, speak for itself.

We wish Chairman Schaaf well, along with his slate of officers, in their roles as HCGOP leaders. It is my hope that as chairman, he will find it necessary to take the time to roll out the welcoming mat, and make his tenure as party chair one in which leaves a legacy of inclusion.  

We have and will continue to extend the olive branch.  But should that olive branch continue to be rejected by the local Hamilton County GOP, it still makes us no less Republicans, and we will continue to strive for meaningful inclusion at all levels of appointed and elected leadership.

Below is the e-mail response from County Chairman  Schaaf:

Dr. Hill,

Once again, you have proven to be self-serving in all you words, attitude and efforts. If only you really were a serious candidate with the elect ability to go along with your passion. Truly, I say to you that the use of "fly in the buttermilk" is abused. I was born the shortest in my class for the better part of twelve years of school and I NEVER considered carrying on the way you do. Your methodology is much more harmful than helpful.

With your ability to misquote and misinform, you could easily work for the local media. I never mentioned Tommie Brown or Joanne Favors. Again, just something you dreamed up to use to your own advantage.

Am I to assume, based on your tirade of so-called reasoning, that you are looking for some caucasian Republican candidates to come run in predominately African-American, generally democrat districts? Please let me know how the laugh-ometer scores when you share that one with your caucus.

 These direct personal attacks (without the use of names(mine is Marty VonSchaaf, Chairman)you insist on using are exactly the types of divisive tactics that I seek to end. Why can't you accept that we are no longer living in the '50's and '60's and put away all the "us versus ya'll" racial rhetoric. This is not constructive. It only demonstrates your own inability to negotiate instead of using bully tactics.

As for Councilman McGary, I have had no conversation with him whatsoever. I have been invited to appear on his radio show, which I have politely declined. I might sit down and speak with him. If I do, I don't believe I will feel so inclined to report our conversation to you.

Again, I wish to be constructive, not destructive. The only common ground you and I currently share is the wariness concerning Mr. McGary's true intentions. Personally, I believe he is seeking political opportunity because he feels he cannot win as a Democrat.

In closing, I highly recommend self-inspection rather than self-promotion. Remember, they say you attract more flies with honey. That would help keep you from being the only one in the buttermilk.

Marty Von Schaaf

Chairman

Hamilton County Republican Party

 

To reach the NRAAC National Chair and Tennessee Co-chair:

Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696
423-521-4294  NRAAC office
chair@nraacaucus.org
tncochair@tnraacaucus.org  

Dr. Shirley Dean Ray

HCRAAC Chair

423-505-2624
423-521-4294 office
hcaarcchair@tnraacaucus.org

Response to McGary Flirts with Party Switch

HAMILTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS 

                                         

                                                                                                 Rev. Dr. Shirley Ray, Hamilton County Chair 

 

TNRAAC's Websites:  

http://tnraacaucus.org 

http://tnraacaucus.ning.com 

http://tnraac.blogspot.com  

March 1, 2011

   

Posted by: Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

NRAAC Nat'l Chair

Response to McGary Flirts with Party Switch

As African American Republicans, we are delighted to hear another minority is joining our ranks. This is what it is all about, recruiting African Americans who share some of the same core values of our party. However, in the case of Andrea McGary, we have serious reservations.

First of all, most of us have fought 20 to even 40 years or more to seek parity within the local Hamilton County GOP, and depending upon whose in leadership, we are either welcomed or deliberately ignored. Not to mention being blackballed if we are intelligent enough to speak out or be a threat. Access to a place at the table has been a hard and long battle. Still we are not there! Those of us at the forefront, such as myself have taken the hits from the African American community because they have failed to understand why we would wear the label and join the GOP ranks. We also have had to endure the abusive treatment within our local GOP, because there are some in the local party who despite our numbers, work hard to ignore our presence and to shut us out.

We also have watched as some Republicans have reached over us, to take the hand of someone who it turns out isn't the Republican they say they are, only to find that once they cannot use the GOP to get elected, have returned to their true democratic roots. Now we read in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, February 27, 2011 article that Andrea McGary is flirting with the notion of switching parties. We cannot help but ask why and question his motives, and look to see what else might be behind this, lurking within the GOP.

Perhaps Mr. McGary has heard that our Hamilton County chair has announced that he will be targeting the 28th and 29th legislative districts, seeking someone to run against Representative Brown and Representative Favors.  To this our Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus says, none of us are interested. Because if the only way a qualified African American Republican can be elected in Hamilton County is to be elected out of districts that are comprised of people of our own race; and this is the only way in which the local party seeks parity and opportunities for African American Republicans, then it is discrimination and we say no thank you.

Also, there seems to be some kind of trend in our party of ignoring those African American Republicans who truly are Republicans, by reaching out to others to see if they can find an opportunist to keep us in check, while at the same time mistreating or ignoring those blacks they already have.  

We have qualified candidates who as Republicans ought to be able to run out of any Republican district and win. That is, if the local GOP is color blind and there truly is no racial issue, as some have suggested. So either you give us the same rights as others within the party or you don't do it at all.

While we welcome you Mr. McGary, we will not allow you or those who play these kinds of games within our party to use you to add a fly in the bowl of buttermilk, just for the sake of saying that the local Republican Party is doing its part in being inclusive in elected leadership.

We will watch this one with a careful eye. Because if the local Hamilton County Republican Party or Mr. McGary think for a second that we will sit back and allow someone who has not paid the dues and taken the hits, to waltz in and take precedence over those who have fought so hard and long for true and meaningful inclusion, with many political bruises to show for it, just to make some kind of distorted GOP statement of inclusion, then both had better think twice.

The days of ignored, abused and excluded African American Republicans in Hamilton County are over! This includes the games as well.

Dr. Hill's Response: We Offered Our Very Best, and She was Rejected

HAMILTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS 

                                         

                                               Samuel Richmond, County Chair                  Rev. Dr. Shirley Ray, Vice Chair 

Visit our Tennessee and NRAAC Website and Blogs

Visit our Tennessee and NRAAC Website and Blogs

http://tnraacaucus.org/  

http://tnraac.blogspot.com/

http://www.nraacaucus.org

http://www.nraac.blogspot.com

http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com

January 30, 2011 

Dr. Hill's Response: We Offered Our Very Best, and She was Rejected  

Thank you Dr. Ray for your concern.  
 

I love you and ALL of the members of the local, state and national caucuses. I am so sorry you have had to endure all of this. I have done all I could to shield our HCRAAC members from this over the years. But let me share this with you.

I stayed up praying and meditating on GOD'S Word, just about all night. After my Prayer Time, I am greatly ENCOURAGED to STAND even more firmly. Because GOD'S got this one!

The reason why I gave orders to leave it along and just pray is because, this battle in Hamilton County cannot be fought with human weapons, because it is deeply rooted in old school prejudice, hatred, control and religious deception. Religious deception is the worse of them all, because those who do wrong find a justification for it through religion. Or they use religion as a cloak to hide behind.

I saw something as I gave the Invocation that I never have seen before in all of my years of ministry. GOD would not allow me to close my eyes as I prayed. Now I know why. As I prayed, I actually looked into the faces of demons and I saw and heard even the resistance to prayer and joining hands. When this happens, you know you are in the thickets of spiritual warfare.

Then I looked again, and I saw the faces and hearts of others who were opened and receptive to prayer and unity within the party and even welcoming of Blacks. This greatly encouraged me.

So we know this is more of a spiritual battle, than it is political. Those who walk with GOD know this and are not tempted to resort to carnal weapons of war. Because unless GOD opens eyes and hearts, it cannot be done!

This is why I didn't blog about it or raise a voice in opposition. I did it because as I ended my prayer time, GOD said, "STAND JEAN, I GOT THIS ONE!" And even as I gave the Invocation, GOD gave me a peace and an assurance that He saw, heard and know, and in GOD'S own time and GOD'S own way, GOD will fix it. Been there, witnessed that, and I know this to be true!

So I say to you, as well as to those of our White Republican sisters and brothers who are upset and discouraged by all that has happened for years now, "Be encouraged and keep STANDING! GOD'S got this one!"

Love you much! Thank you for being a dear sister and a precious friend. But let's not take off the earrings just yet! (smile) Let's save the fighting for what is more endearing - our children and their future and fate.  

Dr. Jean Howard-Hill,
NRAAC National Chair 

 

We Offered Our Very Best, and She was Rejected

Posted by Dr. Shirley Ray, HCRAAC Vice Chair 
 

I know that the national chair, Dr. Jean Howard-Hill has chosen not to say anything, and in her Invocation at the convention, she invoked the Presence of God and resolved to move forward and work together regardless of the results of the Hamilton County Republican Convention election results, but being the one who proudly nominated her, I cannot be silent.  And I won't!

I am not getting this. Here is a woman above women. Eloquent, poised, graceful, kind, loving, fair and gracious. One who graces the room with her humble presence. She is well education. Not many have the educational credentials she has.

I have known Dr. Hill for many years and have had the pleasure of serving under here leadership as a member of the National Board of the National Republican African American Caucus. I have seen this woman make sacrifices that no one in the Republican Party has been willing to make. I have traveled with her. Before her husband passed and as a widow, she has gone all across America on her own dime to recruit Blacks to the Republican Party going back to 1987. No one loves the party more than her. I know  she must love the party. Because if she didn't, there is no way she would have continued for 32 years as an African American Republican.  Whether it is realized or not, it isn't easy being Black and being a Republican. But she not only loves this party, but she believes in the core values of the Republican Party and have fought many battles to see those values restored.

Back in the 70's she began the Democracy In Action program that was implemented in both school systems, which taught Civics to elementary, junior high and high school students. She teaches American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics of Non-western Countries at the University of Tennessee and was voted Outstanding Professor of the Year for 2006.

Some of you also may remember her as the UTC Pull Up Pants Professor who was on television for her efforts to get students to pull up their pants and show respect for themselves.
 

She is one who stands on the principles she believes. That is why she received the Girls Inc, 2010 Unbought and Unbossed Award. She also has received numerous other local, state, national and even international awards and proclamations, include two from our TN General Assembly for her exemplary teaching of State and Local Government.

She is one who is knowledgeable. She is on her game, understands issues from the local to the state to the nation to the global community, because she is a researcher.

She is a political strategist and commentator. You may have seen her on local and national T.V. or  heard her on the radio or read her commentaries on the Frum Forum, Booker Rising, Hip Hop Republicans, articles in the Washington Post, and read her  national blogs.

I could go on and on, because her bio is three pages long, but I won't do that. But what I can say is that not only is she a brilliant woman, who knows the political process, but she is a humble person and a born leader, who leads by example.

I can tell you this, as our national chair, we are on the ball, not just at the national level, but at the state and local, because she makes sure we treat others right and do the right thing, and when anyone doesn't, she calls a prayer meeting! And we don't leave there until we are hugging, asking forgiveness and back in unity with each other. As our national leader, she does not tolerate confusion and a lot of mess. Everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and respect, and we appreciate her for this. She leads out of love, and with great wisdom. She stands for truth and above all she walks with God and seeks God's will in everything we do as an organization. If anyone adheres to the godly principles we say this party believes, it is her. 
 

I say all of this because, I am just not understanding how it is that as African Americans, on the local level, we can keep offering our very best in leadership and it continues to be rejected? So how can the Hamilton County Republican Party offer any explanation for this, that would cause any of us now, to want to be a Republican?
 

My eyes teared up knowing that 20 years ago, the Hamilton County Republican Party was the last place Dr. Hill saw her husband, Attorney Bobby Hill alive. That night he went into a coma and later died. Yet there were a few people who knew her from back then, who I observed that never once opened their mouths to speak.

Someone even had the nerves to say to her that it takes time? Time? Isn't 32 years of this kind of mess long enough?

No I cannot just sit back and say nothing. And with all of the White Republicans who came to me saddened and upset because of what happened, I do not believe at this point they either will sit back and let this kind of foolishness go on. I believe there are some good White Republicans in the Republican Party, whose eyes are open now and they see the wickedness and even the prejudice.

But for me? I am having to really pray about this. Because I am bruised, hurt and my belief in the good of some individuals within the party is tarnished and just about completely destroyed.  It has made all of us ask the question. If they cannot accept Dr. Hill, then who among us can they accept? She is our very best! This must mean that none of us are worthy in their opinion of leadership elected or appointed in Hamilton County. So why are we still willing to be Republicans and why would any African American in Hamilton County want to be a part of or associated with a local party that can be this full of foolishness, hatred and prejudice?

Dr. Hill if we have ignored your orders to let it go, then we are sorry. But this is something none of us from the national to the local level are willing to just sit back and let it go. We know you are tired. Anyone would be after all you have gone through. For 32 years you have stood and fought this kind of foolishness. But now, it is past time that this kind of mess stops!
 

Dr. Shirley Ray,

HCRAAC Vice Chair

423-505-2624
nraacshirley.ray@gmail.com

We Offered Our Very Best, and She was Rejected

HAMILTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS 

                                         

                                               Samuel Richmond, County Chair                  Rev. Dr. Shirley Ray, Vice Chair 

Visit our Tennessee and NRAAC Website and Blogs

Visit our Tennessee and NRAAC Website and Blogs

http://tnraacaucus.org/  

http://tnraac.blogspot.com/

http://www.nraacaucus.org

http://www.nraac.blogspot.com

http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com

January 30, 2011 

We Offered Our Very Best, and She was Rejected  

 

I know that the national chair, Dr. Jean Howard-Hill has chosen not to say anything, and in her Invocation at the convention, she invoked the Presence of God and resolved to move forward and work together regardless of the results of the Hamilton County Republican Convention election results, but being the one who proudly nominated her, I cannot be silent.  And I won't!

I am not getting this. Here is a woman above women. Eloquent, poised, graceful, kind, loving, fair and gracious. One who graces the room with her humble presence. She is well education. Not many have the educational credentials she has.

I have known Dr. Hill for many years and have had the pleasure of serving under here leadership as a member of the National Board of the National Republican African American Caucus. I have seen this woman make sacrifices that no one in the Republican Party has been willing to make. I have traveled with her. Before her husband passed and as a widow, she has gone all across America on her own dime to recruit Blacks to the Republican Party going back to 1987. No one loves the party more than her. I know  she must love the party. Because if she didn't, there is no way she would have continued for 32 years as an African American Republican.  Whether it is realized or not, it isn't easy being Black and being a Republican. But she not only loves this party, but she believes in the core values of the Republican Party and have fought many battles to see those values restored.

Back in the 70's she began the Democracy In Action program that was implemented in both school systems, which taught Civics to elementary, junior high and high school students. She teaches American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics of Non-western Countries at the University of Tennessee and was voted Outstanding Professor of the Year for 2006.

Some of you also may remember her as the UTC Pull Up Pants Professor who was on television for her efforts to get students to pull up their pants and show respect for themselves.
 

She is one who stands on the principles she believes. That is why she received the Girls Inc, 2010 Unbought and Unbossed Award. She also has received numerous other local, state, national and even international awards and proclamations, include two from our TN General Assembly for her exemplary teaching of State and Local Government.

She is one who is knowledgeable. She is on her game, understands issues from the local to the state to the nation to the global community, because she is a researcher.

She is a political strategist and commentator. You may have seen her on local and national T.V. or  heard her on the radio or read her commentaries on the Frum Forum, Booker Rising, Hip Hop Republicans, articles in the Washington Post, and read her  national blogs.

I could go on and on, because her bio is three pages long, but I won't do that. But what I can say is that not only is she a brilliant woman, who knows the political process, but she is a humble person and a born leader, who leads by example.

I can tell you this, as our national chair, we are on the ball, not just at the national level, but at the state and local, because she makes sure we treat others right and do the right thing, and when anyone doesn't, she calls a prayer meeting! And we don't leave there until we are hugging, asking forgiveness and back in unity with each other. As our national leader, she does not tolerate confusion and a lot of mess. Everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and respect, and we appreciate her for this. She leads out of love, and with great wisdom. She stands for truth and above all she walks with God and seeks God's will in everything we do as an organization. If anyone adheres to the godly principles we say this party believes, it is her. 
 

I say all of this because, I am just not understanding how it is that as African Americans, on the local level, we can keep offering our very best in leadership and it continues to be rejected? So how can the Hamilton County Republican Party offer any explanation for this, that would cause any of us now, to want to be a Republican?
 

My eyes teared up knowing that 20 years ago, the Hamilton County Republican Party was the last place Dr. Hill saw her husband, Attorney Bobby Hill alive. That night he went into a coma and later died. Yet there were a few people who knew her from back then, who I observed that never once opened their mouths to speak.

Someone even had the nerves to say to her that it takes time? Time? Isn't 32 years of this kind of mess long enough?

No I cannot just sit back and say nothing. And with all of the White Republicans who came to me saddened and upset because of what happened, I do not believe at this point they either will sit back and let this kind of foolishness go on. I believe there are some good White Republicans in the Republican Party, whose eyes are open now and they see the wickedness and even the prejudice.

But for me? I am having to really pray about this. Because I am bruised, hurt and my belief in the good of some individuals within the party is tarnished and just about completely destroyed.  It has made all of us ask the question. If they cannot accept Dr. Hill, then who among us can they accept? She is our very best! This must mean that none of us are worthy in their opinion of leadership elected or appointed in Hamilton County. So why are we still willing to be Republicans and why would any African American in Hamilton County want to be a part of or associated with a local party that can be this full of foolishness, hatred and prejudice?

Dr. Hill if we have ignored your orders to let it go, then we are sorry. But this is something none of us from the national to the local level are willing to just sit back and let it go. We know you are tired. Anyone would be after all you have gone through. For 32 years you have stood and fought this kind of foolishness. But now, it is past time that this kind of mess stops!
 

Dr. Shirley Ray,

HCRAAC Vice Chair

423-505-2624
nraacshirley.ray@gmail.com

Thoughts of a Black Republican

HAMILTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS 

                                         

                                               Samuel Richmond, County Chair                  Rev. Dr. Shirley Ray, Vice Chair 

Visit our Tennessee and NRAAC Website and Blogs

Visit our Tennessee and NRAAC Website and Blogs

http://tnraacaucus.org/  

http://tnraac.blogspot.com/

http://www.nraacaucus.org

http://www.nraac.blogspot.com

http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com

January 30, 2011 

Thoughts of a Black Republican

I felt privileged to attend the Hamilton County Republican Re-organizational Convention, this Saturday, at the Marriott Convention Center in spite of missing out on the beautiful 65 degree weather.  I had an opportunity to be a delegate and vote to elect officials to make a difference in the lives of generations to come.  Why would I give up such a beautiful Saturday to come to the convention center instead of spending the day with my wonderful wife?  The answer is simple.  I have a hope that by me being there, I can somehow make a difference with my vote. 

While I sat there, amazed and overjoyed at the number of fellow republican delegates that showed up, I believe about 222, it hit me.  Out of such a huge number only about 5 African Americans or less than 3% were represented in that number and 3 were from our organization the Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus.  I began to think to myself.  Why such a small percentage?  Is it because as African American Republicans we do not share the same values or beliefs as the Republican Party?  This is not so!  We also desire job creation, low taxes and less government as Senator Bo Watson so eloquently pointed out in his nomination speech for Elect Hamilton County Republican Chair Marty Von Schaaf.  We believe in family, faith, and community as well, popular Republican views. Then why such a low turnout from people of color? Perhaps I can shed some light. 

I began to think of the many conversations that I have had with individual like myself over the years as I explained to them the reason why I chose to be a Republican.  The general consensus was the same "why would you be part of that party," they said "they don't care about black people."  It is no secret that among African Americans the Republican Party is not seen in a favorable light,. This is mainly because of a lack of trust and faith in the party.  In addition, some black Republicans leave the party after sensing that they are not wanted in it.  The ones that are left, like so many of our Caucus members, are forced to be closet Republicans, waiting for when it's safe to come out. 

As the Hamilton County Republican African American Chair, it is my desire to support the Republican Party in any way I can and raise awareness in the black community.  The task that lies before me is a difficult one especially when blacks don't feel that they can hold elected positions in the party to effect change in their communities or have their voices heard.  There is a saying that says something to the effect of "I want to go where I am celebrated not tolerated."  In other words we don't want any special treatment or to be patronized, we simply want our voice to be heard and feel like we are part of the decision making process instead of part of a show, being the one fly in the bowl of buttermilk, as our National Chair Dr. Hill would say.  So if there are going to be more people of color to join this party, then the  Hamilton County Republican Party is going to have to transcend beyond mere words and take action in making people of all races feel welcome and know they also can be full participants at the local level.

Samuel Richmond

HCRAAC Chair

423-650-8933
423-521-4294 office
hcraacsrichmond@gmail.com

Local African American Republicans Ask the Hamilton County GOP: WHY?

HAMILTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS                                                                                           Samuel Richmond, County Chair                  Rev. Dr. Shirley Ray, Vice Chair  Visit our Tennessee and NRAAC Website and Blogs http://tnraacaucus.org/  http://www.nraacaucus.org http://www.nraac.blogspot.com http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com January 26, 2011     Posted by: Dr. Jean Howard-Hill, NRAAC Nat'l chair Local African American Republicans Ask the Hamilton County GOP: WHY?       "Why as loyal African American Republicans who often take the hit from our own Black community for daring to be a Republican, we have absolutely nothing to show for it at the local GOP level?" Blame it on me being sick in bed for the past three days with the flu or all of us just feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired of there being either "one or two token flies in the bowl of butter milk", or being the "step children" of the Hamilton County GOP. Or perhaps it is because of the continuing struggle the Hamilton County African American Caucus has had since 2000, under former Hamilton County Chair Robin Smith, to become an affiliate group of the local GOP.   Nevertheless, along with those within our Caucus, we are now asking questions about our future as Republicans.   Why instead of being welcomed, we have had to fight to become a part of the local party? Why even now, we are having those who still are fighting to prevent us from being recognized as affiliate Republicans at the local level?   Why is it that no matter how qualified our members are, we have not been a part of appointed or elected leadership on the local level? For many years, we have watched some individuals advance to leadership positions, get appointed and elected, be able to raise money, and get the support of Republicans, with lesser qualifications, experience and credentials than those within our Caucus, yet we have been overlooked.   Why as loyal African American Republicans who often take the hit from our own Black community for daring to be a Republican, we have absolutely nothing to show for it at the local GOP level? Why not one of us, (including me with a 32 year history of being an active African American Republicans at the national level), have ever been elected, appointed or served in any capacity within the local Hamilton County Republican Party or under local Republican leadership? Why are we not afforded the same opportunities to participate, to serve, and to be appointed and elected? Why now as the local party convenes its re-organizational meeting, we are being urged to bring our 1055 person membership to the convention to ensure the win of candidates of whom not one of them are individuals of color? Nothing personal against this individual or anyone else. We certainly we do not intend this in a mean way, and hope no offense is taken. However, why is it that we are expected to support a nomination slate headed by an individual who serves as president of the Pachyderms, but is said to have been a former Democrat, who turned Republican, and served as campaign manager for imprisoned, former Democratic Sheriff Billy Long's campaign, while despite our consistent voting records, we are made to take a litmus test to determine if we are true Republicans?      Or why should we support a Vice Chair who is the sister of a Congressman who was so territorial that he saw to it that we were excluded during his tenure in office? On the slate of officers to be voted on to lead our Grand Ole local party, the fact that not one minority has been nominated, is it because there are no qualified African Americans who are Republicans? Absolutely not! In fact this is quite to the contrary.   Ranging from former principals, educators, even those who have taught government at the college and school levels, financial advisers, counselors, business owners, clergy, health care professionals, childcare professionals, those who have law degrees, to those who hold national positions within the party, etc., we have many qualified individuals who have been faithful Republicans for years. But what we have received for our loyalty is exclusion and being relegated to being closeted Republicans. We have been made to be the "step children" of the local Republican Party, who literally have no meaningful place within local Republican politics. Therefore, we have a legitimate reason to ask the Hamilton County Republican Party why? Why have you permitted this to go on for so long?   Just as we expect nothing handed to us because of our race, we also expect not to be excluded because of it. And now that it is well known what has happened in the past and continues to happen even at present, we want to know what is going to be done about it? If we are wrong in assuming that since it has nothing to do with our qualifications; loyalty to the party; belief in the original core values of the party; and willingness to be identified as Republicans, then it must be about something else, then tell us why this is an incorrect or unfair assumption. If it has nothing to do with race, what has prompted this kind of exclusionary practice? We beg to know, what is it?   I know the mere mentioning of racism is a touchy subject for some Republicans. It causes even the most pious of Christian Conservatives to turn their heads, rather than admit it exists and deal with it. But if we are serious about reorganization, and building a strong party which includes people who share some of the same core values, then we have to deal with this issue as well. Hopefully, with all of the contention over the media being ousted from the Hamilton County Republican Re-Organization Convention, which is being held January 29, 2011, and with talk of back room dealings, the good Republicans and true Christian Conservatives will see a need to also address this issue of inequality and exclusion, and agree that it needs to be purged from the local GOP party.

To reach the HCRAAC Chair: Samuel Richmond 423-650-8933 423-521-4294 office hcraacsrichmond@gmail.com richmond.samuel@yahoo.com To reach the TNRAAC Chair: LaShunda Hill 423-505-3626 423-521-4294 office hcraaclashundahill@gmail.com lashunda.s.hill@gmail.com To reach the NRAAC national chair: Dr. Jean Howard-Hill 423-521-4294  NRAAC office nraachowardhill@gmail.com Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com

The National Republican African-American Caucus is an organization that is comprised of Spirit filled people of faith within the African American community, that works in conjunction with local, state and national party efforts to embrace, and offer African-American Republicans opportunities for inclusion and involvement in the Republican Party, and builds bridges between the African-American community and the Republican Party.  In doing so, it seeks to carry out the philosophy and mission set before President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas to build a stronger and more inclusive Republican Party, where those guiding principles are more important than politics. More information on the NRAACcan be found at: http://www.nraacaucus.org; http://nraacaucus.ning.com  [NRAAC] National Republican African American Caucus Social Issue Network (members only); http://nraac.blogspot.com  [NRAAC Blog]; http://youthonthehorizons.blogspot.com [NRAAC Youth on the Horizons Blog]; http://the-twig.blogspot.com [NRAAC New Generation-New Direction Blog]; and http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com  [NRAAC National Chair's Blog]. Each State Caucus can be accessed by state. See related links at http://www.nraacaucus.org/index_files/Page816.htm. Also can be found on the RNC group page at http://our.gop.com/Groups/National_Republican_African-American_Caucus_NRAAC.