Successful Activism Tactics Model for New Pro-GOP Group
by Ed Thomas
August 17, 2005
(AgapePress) - The new National Black Republican Association will use the collective power of community activism based on the successful examples of black Republicans all across the U.S.NBRA chairperson Frances Rice says she was able to be part of a powerful turnaround in community development in Sarasota, Florida, along with other Republican leaders from the African-American community who stepped up to participate in petitioning local and state officials for assistance. She says that has happened in many states when black Republicans have come together -- and that is the basis of action for the National Black Republican Association.
"We're trying to say to black activists all over the country, let us work together to bring about the same kind of changes in your local community that we did here in our community."
Rice says a key campaign of enlightenment for NBRA will be to stress the Republican principle of an ownership society. "Being homeowners and small-business owners is the way to be self-sufficient and to get out of poverty," she asserts, "and becoming well-educated is a way to get better jobs. So we want to help move black Americans into the ownership society and [help them] realize the American dream."
In addition, the NBRA plans to include a Section 527 political action committee to help assist potential candidates for office. That PAC -- the "National Black Republicans for Freedom" -- will be designed to assist candidates running against Democrats to convey a different message for African Americans than they are accustomed to hearing.
"We're trying to help black Republican candidates become prepared to run [for] these state Democratic Party seats, to take a different message [to their constituencies]," Rice explains. "A message of hope and empowerment, self-sufficiency, self reliance, faith in God and personal responsibility."
The NRBA's approach for accomplishing its goals will include placing resource materials about the history of blacks and the GOP, holding local informational meetings on social issues, and using media campaigns to correct misperceptions by black voters. (See earlier article on the NBRA)
Ed Thomas, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
