Few Students Show for Panel on Image of Black Republicans
JADA F. SMITH
3/4/08
Campus
Campus
The Howard University College Republicans kicked off day one of their First Annual Economics and Government Symposium Monday night. This five-day look into the dynamics of the Republican party and its relation to the black community, hopes to give the liberal HU campus a glimpse into the other political front.
The event, entitled "Open Forum Discussion: Why Republican?" included a 20-minute video about the evolution of the Republican Party and a panel of its distinguished members who represented a variety of ideologies.
With hopes of dispelling the stereotypes associated with the Grand Old Party (GOP), the panelists spoke on a range of topics, including the need for more blacks to join.
"Neither [party] is doing anything to effect change in the black community," said panelist Republican Jabriel Ballentine.
Ballentine said both parties discount the African-American vote because they think it is already decided, saying Democrats feel no need to cater to blacks because they know they already have their vote, and Republicans assume the black community's allegiance is far beyond their reach.
"If we have people on both sides, they won't discount us," Ballentine said. "If we have people on both sides, in both parties, they will have to fight for our vote."
The party members encourage students to look at politics on a broader scope, dispite the animosity left between the two parties.
Don Scoggins, president of the Republicans for Black Empowerment, said, "Our people should look at politics more like a business because that's what it is. Diversify. The more you diversify, the more options you have."
With the overwhelming number Howard students being non-GOP, rejection can often times follow the few remaining conservative Bison.
Michael Varner, president of the College Republicans, said that when he was promoting the events for the week, people heckled him and questioned how he, as a black man, could be a member of the conservative party.
The event, entitled "Open Forum Discussion: Why Republican?" included a 20-minute video about the evolution of the Republican Party and a panel of its distinguished members who represented a variety of ideologies.
With hopes of dispelling the stereotypes associated with the Grand Old Party (GOP), the panelists spoke on a range of topics, including the need for more blacks to join.
"Neither [party] is doing anything to effect change in the black community," said panelist Republican Jabriel Ballentine.
Ballentine said both parties discount the African-American vote because they think it is already decided, saying Democrats feel no need to cater to blacks because they know they already have their vote, and Republicans assume the black community's allegiance is far beyond their reach.
"If we have people on both sides, they won't discount us," Ballentine said. "If we have people on both sides, in both parties, they will have to fight for our vote."
The party members encourage students to look at politics on a broader scope, dispite the animosity left between the two parties.
Don Scoggins, president of the Republicans for Black Empowerment, said, "Our people should look at politics more like a business because that's what it is. Diversify. The more you diversify, the more options you have."
With the overwhelming number Howard students being non-GOP, rejection can often times follow the few remaining conservative Bison.
Michael Varner, president of the College Republicans, said that when he was promoting the events for the week, people heckled him and questioned how he, as a black man, could be a member of the conservative party.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
The 7-10: Anthony Palmer
posted 3/26/08 @ 7:05 AM EST
Kudos to the Republican Party for attempting to make inroads with Black voters. However, Republican organizers should be prepared to receive the cold shoulder a lot more in the future before their efforts finally bear fruit. (Continued…)
theholylord
posted 5/21/08 @ 4:59 AM EST
Most negros have been spoonfed that they have to vote for obama. And they all follow inline like lambs to the slaughter. McCain needs to adress the problems that black people face. (Continued…)
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