The Lonely Kansas Black Republican
Official Logo of National Black Republican Association
Given Barack Obama’s almost total dominance of the African-American vote across the U.S., (something like 98% of registered black voters), color me shocked to find out that the Great State of Kansas actually boasts a living, breathing African-American member of the Grand Old Party.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City (Great Bend, Dodge, and even Liberal, too). And I didn’t know there were ANY African American Kansans who considered themselves to be Republicans.
So imagine my surprise when the Republican Party’s schedule for Kansas Days listed the following events, with most of the groups listing “Republicans” (emphasis mine):
7:00 am Kansans for Life Prayer Breakfast 8:00 am Kansas Black Republican Business Meeting 9:00 am Kansas Young Republicans Eye Opener
Perhaps it was just an hilarious typo. But if not, the meeting will go something like this:
“All in favor of adopting the proposed party platform?”
“Aye.”
“The ‘Aye’s’ have it.”
But Dirt Diver is going to be there to check out this meeting, and we’ll bring you a full report from Kansas Days, including the moment when security goons throw the Kansas Jackass bloggers out. Should be a rousing good time.
See you there. 
UPDATE: I’ve just been informed that there are at least two Kansas Black Republicans.
What about Ron Freeman?
I’m SHOCKED! SHOCKED! To find out there is racism on this blog!!!
What are you talking about? I don’t understand why Republicans NEED a “Kansas Black Republicans” group – this is a post-race era, isn’t it?
African American political groups within the GOP are shameless attempts to demonstrate that the party is inclusive.
But that is inconsistent with the logical application of conservative thought – in a truly post-race party, race need not be acknowledged. Indeed, with Barack Obama in office, America no longer needs to differentiate.
I can’t wait to see the media fawning over the first Black Republican President.
Justin, does that make for three now? =)
At least 30 folks in the reception room I went to this weekend. If African Americans form their own organization to encourage each other as they work to help build the party is that racism on the part of the GOP? I don’t think so. What about the NBRA?
Thirty, eh? Send some pics!
In response to your question, I would rather the group sounded a bit more inclusive of all races. I don’t understand why it has to be “Black” Republicans. What about Hispanics? That’s an important demographic as well. And white Republicans should be encouraged to play a role in that same outreach.
Exit question: Isn’t there a better way to encourage party building with minorities without using race labels?