Thursday, December 16, 2010

NRAAC Differs With African American Republican Organization in It's support of RNC Chair Michael Steele's Bid for a Second Term

NRAAC's National Chair Dr. Jean Howard-Hill


http://www.nraac.blogspot.com

http://www.nraacaucus.org

http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com

Dr. Hill is also a contributor to David Frum's Forum at http://www.frumforum.com

Hip Hop Republican http://hiphoprepublican.com

Booker Rising http://www.bookerrising.net



NRAAC Differs With African American Republican Organization in It's support of RNC Chair Michael Steele's Bid for a Second Term


With all due respect for Mr. Daniels, he cannot have it both ways. He cannot say "he was elected to broaden the party and to win elections", and "he did both", while also saying that even Steele conceded that "it was grassroots organizations that worked so hard to get candidates elected".


The NRAAC does not like having to contradict a fellow African American Republican organization, but when it comes to the re-election of RNC Chair Michael Steele, it becomes necessary. Any organization has a right to endorse whomever and to do so without the approval of others. We certainly are not opposing any organization's right to make such an endorsement. However, we do take issue with the statements as to why Steele is being endorsed, made by Kevin Daniels, president of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of North Carolina. In a December 16, 2010 news release entitled, Frederick Douglas Foundation of North Carolina Supports the Re-Election of RNC Chairman Michael Steele, in part it reads:


"Michael Steele is a good leader. He was elected to broaden the party and to win elections," Daniels said. "He did both."


In 2009, Chairman Steele was at the helm when Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie became Governors and Scott Brown did the unthinkable; winning a Senate seat in Massachusetts. In 2010 there were more Black Americans that sought public office since Reconstruction. Two of those candidates, Tim Scott and Alan West, are newly elected members of Congress. Governor-Elect, Nikki Haley of South Carolina and Susana Martinez of New Mexico are Native American and Hispanic, respectively. In Florida, Jennifer Carroll will be the first Black Female Lieutenant Governor. Republicans took over the US House of Representatives, picked up seats in the Senate and took control of many State Legislatures, including North Carolina for the first time in 112 years.


"Michael Steele has proven that he is capable of working outside of the Republican establishment to ensure victory for the party, " Daniels said.

"What I admire most is that he gave credit where credit is due. To the people."

Daniels continued, "While Republican leaders across the country continue to take credit for the victories, he acknowledged the grassroots organizations that worked so hard to get candidates elected."


Unless we are missing something, we are not privy to any proof that supports Steele having played a substantial role with Independents and certainly not the Tea Party Movement in ensuring the victory of Chris Christie or Scott Brown. Nor can he say he recruited the African American candidates, who in most cases courageously put themselves out there to run for office as lambs for the Republican slaughter. Being one of those rare African American candidates who decided to enter the congressional race, I certainly can give Steele no credit for me having stepped into the political ring. Also, there are more like me, who I am sure will say the same.


With all due respect for Mr. Daniels, he cannot have it both ways. He cannot say "he was elected to broaden the party and to win elections", and "he did both", while also saying that even Steele conceded that "it was grassroots organizations that worked so hard to get candidates elected".


As to broadening the party, where is the proof of Chairman Steele broadening the party? In order to have done that, he would have needed to have been actively involved in inclusion efforts. Contrary to this, in our December 9, 2010 Blog, Could Michael Steele's Oust be Racism? We Think Not!,we wrote:


"A review of Steele's record in bringing the GOP closer to looking like a party of racial inclusion is certainly lacking to say the least.


As a national African American Republican organization, we cannot help but recap the two year tenure of Steele with disappointment. We were pleased to see him be the first African American to take the helm of the party. This gave us hope for further minority inclusion within the ranks of the Republican Party. However, during his tenure, with much regret, we have very little to report as to any substantial difference in reaching out to minorities. In fact, over the past two years, as a Caucus with its primary goals to attract those of color to the Republican Party, it has been extremely painful to endure the failures of the Steele leadership and administration to reach out to us or even respond to us reaching out to it.


Having known personally Steele since 2001 when the Bush White House had me make his acquaintance, as the NRAAC national chair, I was thrilled and filled with high hopes and great expectations that with him at the helm, we would see a better and more inclusive GOP. Unfortunately that did not happen. Instead, many veteran African American GOP'ers have felt even more alienated, ignored and denied access than ever by the Republican Party leadership. Yet most of us have hung in there, although we were among the first to see the handwriting on the wall, and the hand as it began to write the warning to Steele.


We knew things were destined to become problematic when fresh out of the stall, Steele suffered from a strange politically expedient disease of alienating himself from us and ignoring those of us he once shared minority fellowship. That was the beginning of the handwritings on the wall, which read, "Michael do not forget where you came from, because you might have to return to us someday". The problem is - Steele failed to see or read it. Or maybe he did, but chose to just ignore it.


Despite Steele's moving story of how he went from inner-city poverty to political stardom, we have found him to be less convincing in his role as leading man, once he reached the helm of the GOP. In fact, he has shown very little commitment and almost non-existing efforts to bring minority presence and participation to the party. It seemed it was enough to have him be the lone star with only a few of us coming close to getting back row tickets to his two year GOP performance.


It has been almost two years to the date and the NRAAC is still waiting for an appointment to meet with and work with our RNC chair, Michael Steele, regarding minority recruitment or for him to return a call or answer letters and cards to him. That says a lot about his commitment and the value he placed on minority recruitment and involvement during his past two year term of office.


I am even sure there are some good white Republicans who also are disappointed at his failure in this area as well.


Inclusion is a very serious issue for the RNC, which sooner or later is going to have to be dealt with. With poll numbers that reflect the majority of Americans are not too hot about either party's job performance on a national level, (i.e. Congressional approval ratings being down to as low as 17%) and with the ultimate rise of a third party that is diverting die hard Conservatives away from the Republican base, we had better begin to look at others whose core values are more aligned with the GOP. Where do we find them? Among the morally conservative African American base. The very core of the base from which most of our membership hail. So to ignore the NRAAC with a membership base which is almost 100 percent from the African American religious community is political malpractice. Nevertheless, this is what Steele has done.


If we are to address some of the issues of lack of inclusion within the GOP, Steele is not the man! He had his chance to broaden the base and he failed or did very little. At best he was no better than past RNC leadership. So on this contention, we share a totally different prospective of Steele and his role in broadening the GOP base, than that of Daniels.


Personally I do not know Kevin Daniels. Have not had the good pleasure of making his acquaintance. But I am sure he is a fine gentleman, and certainly have no beef with him. Perhaps Daniels is living in another world, where how he sees Steele is drastically different from ours, and even some outside of our NRAAC's membership. I certainly hope so. That may be the case, since North Carolina faired well in the 2010 midterm elections and seemingly this organization has been a Michael Steele beneficiary. Because otherwise, this is just more political rhetoric being espoused from those who should know better, because the facts just do not support all of the contentions.


As to Steele being a good leader, perhaps he was. But as the RNC chair, if you cannot raise as much money as needed for the midterm elections without having to take out a loan or having third party efforts take up the slack, and if you cannot manage what you do have, then I am not sure how that makes you a good leader. For more on the NRAAC's position, go to the NRAAC's December 9, 2010 Blog, Could Michael Steele's Oust be Racism? We Think Not!, at http://nraac.blogspot.com/2010/12/could-michael-steeles-oust-be-racism-we.html.


To reach the NRAAC national chair:

Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696 Cell
423-521-4294 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com


[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed.She has served as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.


Outside of her role as the National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] national chair, Howard-Hillis known for her involvement within the African American community and her efforts to correct and enhance verbal, written and presentational skills of African American students, and her "Pull up Your Pants and Dress for Success Campaign" to improve the appearance and fate of African American males.She has created and directed the Many Faces of Diversity at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which teaches these skills to minority, "at-risk",and first generation college bound students.She is currently working on the Tennessee Youth Research Study, a research project aimed at identifying causes and providing connectors to reconnect to the youth of this generation. In 2010, she received the Girl's Inc., Unbought and Unbossed Award.


She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Non-western Countries at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local and national political commentator. She holds a doctorate of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, College of Law and is working on a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Research from Oxford Graduate School. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.]


For more full bio information on Dr. Jean Howard-Hill go to http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page1213.htm and for other information http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page347.htm, Political History,http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page2722.htm GOP Political Involvement,

http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page29760.htm Faith Based Initiative,
http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page2530.htm Democracy In Action, http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page2542.htm and http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page22401.htm Youth Community Involvement, http://ladyjforcongress.com/index_files/Page1296.htm Community.


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.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Could Michael Steele's Oust be Racism? We Think Not!




NRAAC's National Chair Dr. Jean Howard-Hill


http://www.nraac.blogspot.com

http://www.nraacaucus.org

http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com

Dr. Hill is also a contributor to David Frum's Forum at http://www.frumforum.com

Hip Hop Republican http://hiphoprepublican.com

Booker Rising http://www.bookerrising.net


Could Michael Steele's Oust be Racism? We Think Not!

"Is it racism? We think not. Most white Republicans are afraid to speak out too much about Steele's mess-ups, simply because they fear being labeled as racists. Even Steele throughout his tenure as RNC chair has avoided both the mentioning and the dealing with issues of racism within our Grand Ole Party. So to use it at this juncture, merely would be just another mess-up."


Not many are wanting to have this discussion and many are avoiding it. However, in the wind is the rumor that there are those who wish to make the ending of RNC Chair Michael Steele's tenure as being racist.


Is it racism? We think not.


Most white Republicans are afraid to speak out too much about Steele's mess-ups, simply because they fear being labeled as racists. But Steele's demise has little to do with race. Aside the July 2010, calling the Afghanistan war a largely un-winnable conflict of President Obama's choosing, which drew criticism and urging he step down by those within our own party, (including two prominent GOP Senators, John McCain and Lindsey Graham), Steele's problems mainly resulted from his lack of stewardship over the RNC's coffer. It was his spending! The very thing he pointed a finger at the other party for doing, he found himself doing.


When Steele took the chairmanship in 2009, the RNC had a $23 million surplus, which was quickly spent. In March 2010, he brought embarrassment to the party after reports of the RNC's lavish spending spree that included $17,000 for private jet travel, $13,000 for limousines and car services, $9,000 for a trip to the Beverly Hills hotel and a nearly $2,000 fundraiser at RNC's expense at Voyeur West Hollywood, a risque strip joint.


Then heading into the November 2010 midterm election, was his failure to raise more than the DNC with them topping the RNC by $15 million in fundraising. Of the $79 million RNC did raise, he managed to spent all of it. By September 2010, the RNC had about $3.4 million in cash on hand and $4.6 million in debt, which prompted the RNC to take out a $2.5 million loan in September.


The RNC suffered further embarrassment with third-party groups, such as the Tea Party that were able to raise in a few months, almost as much as the RNC has since January 2009.


We also cannot omit the criticism of Steele spending too much time vying for a book deal or a spot as a commentator or his own television gig.


None of these mess-ups seem to point to racism - not as we define it. Even Steele throughout his tenure as RNC chair has avoided both the mentioning and the dealing with issues of racism within our Grand Ole Party. So to use it at this juncture, merely would be just another mess-up.


A review of Steele's record in bringing the GOP closer to looking like a party of racial inclusion is certainly lacking to say the least.


As a national African American Republican organization, we cannot help but recap the two year tenure of Steele with disappointment. We were pleased to see him be the first African American to take the helm of the party. This gave us hope for further minority inclusion within the ranks of the Republican Party. However, during his tenure, with much regret, we have very little to report as to any substantial difference in reaching out to minorities. In fact, over the past two years, as a Caucus with its primary goals to attract those of color to the Republican Party, it has been extremely painful to endure the failures of the Steele leadership and administration to reach out to us or even respond to us reaching out to it.


Having known personally Steele since 2001 when the Bush White House had me make his acquaintance, as the NRAAC national chair, I was thrilled and filled with high hopes and great expectations that with him at the helm, we would see a better and more inclusive GOP. Unfortunately that did not happen. Instead, many veteran African American GOP'ers have felt even more alienated, ignored and denied access than ever by the Republican Party leadership. Yet most of us have hung in there, although we were among the first to see the handwriting on the wall, and the hand as it began to write the warning to Steele.


We knew things were destined to become problematic when fresh out of the stall, Steele suffered from a strange politically expedient disease of alienating himself from us and ignoring those of us he once shared minority fellowship. That was the beginning of the handwritings on the wall, which read, "Michael do not forget where you came from, because you might have to return to us someday". The problem is - Steele failed to see or read it. Or maybe he did, but chose to just ignore it.


Despite Steele's moving story of how he went from inner-city poverty to political stardom, we have found him to be less convincing in his role as leading man, once he reached the helm of the GOP. In fact, he has shown very little commitment and almost non-existing efforts to bring minority presence and participation to the party. It seemed it was enough to have him be the lone star with only a few of us coming close to getting back row tickets to his two year GOP performance.


It has been almost two years to the date and the NRAAC is still waiting for an appointment to meet with and work with our RNC chair, Michael Steele, regarding minority recruitment or for him to return a call or answer letters and cards to him. That says a lot about his commitment and the value he placed on minority recruitment and involvement during his past two year term of office.


I am even sure there are some good white Republicans who also are disappointed at his failure in this area as well.


So now to hear wind of a few of "us" who dare step up and paint a version of his leadership as being so worthy of a second term is very interesting. But if you follow those who step forward, it is easy to understand why. Perhaps they are among those who hustled for the few back row tickets to the Steele performance, with a little something for the something. Maybe?


It may be too late for Michael Steele to reinvent or refine himself. But here's a word of wisdom to the GOP as they seek his replacement. NEVER again seek a GOP leader of color, just because the other party and the nation have elected a Black president. Do it because it is right and the choice is based upon that person being capable and ready to move into this position on his or her own merits. We are not wanting to be mere tokens on display. But rather, active participants who despite what is going on at the polls or within the rival party, we are seen as solid, capable, and valued American Republicans who have earned a meaningful place within the party.

My advice to Steele? The next time you get to the Promise Land or think you have "overcome", do what is right! Because you never know where you might land.


To reach the NRAAC national chair:

Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696 Cell
423-521-4294 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com


[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has served as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.


Outside of her role as the National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] national chair, Howard-Hill is known for her involvement within the African American community and her efforts to correct and enhance verbal, written and presentational skills of African American students, and her "Pull up Your Pants and Dress for Success Campaign" to improve the appearance and fate of African American males. She has created and directed the Many Faces of Diversity at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which teaches these skills to minority, "at-risk", and first generation college bound students. She is currently working on the Tennessee Youth Research Study, a research project aimed at identifying causes and providing connectors to reconnect to the youth of this generation. In 2010, she received the Girl's Inc., Unbought and Unbossed Award.


She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Non-western Countries at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local and national political commentator. She holds a doctorate of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, College of Law and is working on a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Research from Oxford Graduate School. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.]


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.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Coming Soon - GOP Woman at RNC Helm - Dec 8, 2010


NATIONAL REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS [NRAAC] BLOG

NRAAC's National Chair Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

http://www.nraac.blogspot.com
http://www.nraacaucus.org
http://theblackolivebranch.blogspot.com

Dr. Hill is also a contributor to David Frum's Forum at
www.frumforum.com

December 8, 2010


Coming Soon! A GOP Woman at the Republican Helm


"...Listen up Republican Party and hear the sounds of stilettos marching forward, as a new brand of GOP women is coming forth! Soon even to the helm of the Republican Party."



With all the fuss over Michael Steele and who is to replace him, what stands out among all of the potential candidates is that there are two women to be considered!

What a refreshing change!

I remember back in 1979 when I first came into the GOP, Republican women were carded in their spouse's name. You were "Mrs. John Doe" and hidden in parentheses was your real name "Jane Doe". We were expected to be faithful members of the National Federation of Republican Women and our local clubs, pay our dues, have our monthly social-club-like-setting meetings, invite the male white Republican leadership to speak and abreast us of issues, and of course raise money and "man" the tedious work that was needed to get them elected. If you did this, you were a model Republican woman. But we are seeing that beneath the Republican once female submissive political waters, is a not so calming current that is destined to cause a gender inclusive tsunami within the GOP political landscape.

GOP women are recognizing that we are impacted just as much and even more in some ways socially, economically, judicially, and educationally by policies and the actions or inactions of government. We also recognize that we have the same ability as men to balance budgets, run government, determine the direction of our country and make decisions that affect Americans.

We look at the brilliance and intellect of Dr. Condaleezza Rice. Dr. Rice brought us her off-the-charts intelligence and understanding of foreign as well as national policy. She has given us a taste of what we could be like when we are appointed to cabinet level positions that also impact foreign policy. Many are convinced, that although some may be okay with the role we play as wives, mothers, and standing behind or alongside our man, we also have much more to bring to the table, other than preparing the meals, feeding the gang and washing the dishes.

This new found sense of who we are or can be politically, is what has made Sarah Palin so powerfully attractive. It is Palin's ability to get out there and take the spotlight that once was held predominantly by white male Republicans that makes her hot.

Since on the scene, we have seen even the most powerful of the GOP leadership court her favor. She has silenced many who otherwise would have ripped her to shreds. Only behind closed doors do few even dare utter a negative word about her, for fear it will negatively impact their next election bid.

What is behind this political force for which to be reckoned? It is a GOP Women's Revolution that has been in the making now for years, which has given people such as Sarah Palin the ability to galvanize the vote in a substantial way, making her a powerful and coveted ally to have on your side. Regardless of her position on issues or what she says that sometimes may cause one to scratch their head, very few will dare oppose her openly, because what they are really opposing is not Sarah Palin. It is the fear of the rising new GOP woman.

Speaking of rising GOP women, because of this, RNC now has to take a serious look at the two female candidates vying for the RNC's highest post. Both are RNC credentialized and positioned.

- Maria Cino served as the RNC deputy chairwoman in 2000, after serving as political director for George W. Bush's first presidential campaign. Later she was appointed Deputy Transportation Secretary.

- Ann Wagner served as Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee for two terms, and as U. S. Ambassador to Luxembourg under President G.W. Bush.

Like it or not, while Palin may not be a Dr. Rice, and for those who question if she fully understands the political game, as GOP women, in part, we owe her a debt for moving into national leadership a female presence that challenges the foundation of our almost gender exclusive party, and has caused the Republican Party to recognize the power inherent within the GOP woman.

But where we truly owe this debt is to "G.W.". We cannot deny the crucial role President G. W. Bush played in his appointment of women of different ethnicities to top level administrative posts. Without him, we would not have seen the brilliance of Rice, nor would either of the two RNC candidates have been positioned for this move. This sort of makes him the "Godfather" of the GOP Women's Revolution.

Through these appointments, President G. W. Bush gave us the opportunity to show we can be on the field, in the game, calling the plays, running the ball, and scoring. Now that we know this, we are destined to see more qualified GOP women primed, eagered and ready to move into positions of leadership. This forces the GOP to take Cino and Wagner or any other qualified Republican female more seriously.

So listen up Republican Party and hear the sounds of stilettos marching forward, as a new brand of GOP women is coming forth! Soon even to the helm of the Republican Party.

[According to multiple sources, other potential candidates include: Mike Duncan, former RNC Chair; Nick Ayers, RGA Executive Director; Gentry Collins, former Steele aide; Reince Priebus, Wisconsin GOP Chairman; Chris Healy, Connecticut GOP Chairman; Gary Emineth, former North Dakota GOP Chairman; and Ron Nehring, California GOP Chairman.]

To reach the NRAAC national chair:

Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696 Cell
423-521-4294 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com


[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has served as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.

Outside of her role as the National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] national chair, Howard-Hill is known for her involvement within the African American community and her efforts to correct and enhance verbal, written and presentational skills of African American students, and her "Pull up Your Pants and Dress for Success Campaign" to improve the appearance and fate of African American males. She has created and directed the Many Faces of Diversity at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which teaches these skills to minority, "at-risk", and first generation college bound students. She is currently working on the Tennessee Youth Research Study, a research project aimed at identifying causes and providing connectors to reconnect to the youth of this generation.

She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Non-western Countries at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local and national political commentator. She holds a doctorate of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, College of Law and is working on a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Research from Oxford Graduate School. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.]

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.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Racism in America, …We Have Got to Go There. Got to!





July 23, 2010

NRAAC's National Chair
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill

National Republican African American Caucus [NRAAC] Blog
http://www.nraac.blogspot.com

http://www.nraacaucus.org


Racism in America, …We Have Got to Go There. Got to!

I guess you can say, I just took my first sip of tea and now I know at least there can be some good found in what is being brewed, if only we can deal with it!”


Strangely enough, the Tea Party Movement has forced America to take a look at itself, by opening doors that require dialogue and a recognition that something is wrong in America. Among those doors opened is a much needed discussion on race.


A few months past, I blogged for the NRAAC, a series entitled: The National Republican African American Caucus Has It’s Say!: 18 Day Political Revival. During those eighteen plus days, I very openly dealt with the subject of race, just as an African American, I had attempted to do with the Republican Party going back to 2001. l even wrote a book about it, Black Eyes Shut – White Lips Sealed in 2004.


Now it is 2010, and still I am seeing those who are in denial, refusing to see that this is an issue which has to be addressed in America, if we are to go forth as a strong, united and healthy nation.


Maybe it is just the preacher in me, but each time I deal with this subject, the more I am convinced that racism is an issue of the soul. Because in my business, which is the business of redemption, saving, healing and maintaining of the soul, you gain expertise in the area of diagnoses, prognoses, treatment and prescription in caring for the human soul. Therefore, when it is sick, you cannot dance around this in denial. It is hard to ignore a diseased soul, when all of the symptoms are there and spilling over into society! The truth of the matter is that racism is a spiritual issue which first has to be dealt with by the spiritual institutions of society that includes the church. I never met a healthy soul, which did not require some sort of spiritual remedy to remain healthy.


I know there are those who will beg to differ, citing separation of church and state. But as a part of our political socialization, who we are spiritually, socially, economically, and even our education, where we were born, to whom we were born, how we are raised, all of this play a part in who we are.


Short of establishing a national religion, requiring that everyone believes the same, or forcing someone to believe against their will, one’s spirituality factors into who they are. There is no getting around this, nor should we try. There also is a recognition that there are some things which are best left to those spiritual elements of society to deal with, of which, if we neglect to do so, it will gravely impact government and society.


Whether we like it or not, racism is not an issue in which government should be the sole, or primary monitor. Government at best can legislate and attempt to enforce equality. But it is the inward soul, which has to be dealt with in order to provide a remedy for racism. It is not until brothers and sisters of kindred spirit, sit down at the table or kneel at the altar, acknowledge, confess, ask forgiveness, and forgive each other, that we are going to resolve America’s race issue. So who am I saying should step forward to provide a remedy for racism?


It is the spiritual institutions and elements of society!


It is those who have allowed racism to be manifested in spiritual doctrines of separatism, racial superiority and even hate.


The history of racism in America comes from the doctrine of the white church which taught that Whites were superior to Blacks. Therefore, Whites were created by God to be masters, and Blacks as slaves. Because of the doctrine of the Black race stemming from the curse of Ham and that one race is more favored by God than others, this became a foundational doctrine in some religious elements in our society overtly and even subliminally believed.


Historically it was the doctrine behind inferiority and ownership of slaves as mere property, which worked its way even into our Constitution through the “pursuit of happiness”. It provided an excuse for man’s inhumanity to man. This is the spiritual basis for the present racism in America. But as history has proven, this is an error in doctrine. However, for far too many years, this error has remained unchallenged and uncorrected by society – namely the church. Now this has become a doctrine so embedded within the foundation of some Christians, that to challenge it as being wrong is to require some to denounce their faith.


So no wonder when you hear some say, “God and Country”, you find what they truly mean is “God and Country to the exclusion of others”. This is what has caused the disease of the soul called racism. This is what keeps it alive, well nourished and even justifiable for some by way of the church.


When you believe this doctrine, it blocks the conscious from being pricked. It prevents the mind from rationally seeing and understanding that because of the sickness of the soul, the mind, the heart and even society are infected.


What do we do about it? We, the spiritual leaders of America, and more specifically the church, have got to go there! Got to!


As spiritual leaders, regardless of religious affiliation, we have to step forward at this troubling hour within our nation, acknowledge this as a spiritually created disease and provide the cure.


The cure is simple. It is affordable. It bears no fiscal note, nor does it add to the national deficit. It does not involve any form of taxation. It is not something which needs the force of law in order to be enacted or enforced. In fact, it is not anything that even can be legislated by Congress or through a Presidential Executive Order! It needs no interpretation by the Supreme Court. It is, what it is. The simple cure is LOVE!


The precedence set for it is found in two spiritual principles. Regardless of the color of one’s skin or nationality, age or gender, love others as you love yourself. Do to others, as you would like them to do to you. It is just that simple, and if those of us who claim we are spiritual leaders began to teach this within our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and ministries, those who attend and are participants within society would reflect a doctrine which by definition has no place for racism.


In turn, those who lead in government, who spring from a spiritual base which teaches the principle of love, would bear that fruit in government. The market place would be full of its fruit and before long, there would be no place within American society where the power of love does not bring healing, transformation, and unity of hearts, minds and souls.


But first, before this can take place, those within religious circles have to stop denying there is a race problem and be willing to revisit this from a spiritual as well as historical prospective. Even if it means opening up old wounds for a minute, if it is necessary in order to surgically remove the cancerous cells of racism, we have to go there. Because if we continue to skirt around this issue, pretend it does not exist, refuse to deal with it because some parishioners may not be comfortable with the subject, or because it is not politically expedient, then we will be the ones who will be held responsible for a nation which cannot find healing of the soul.


The bottom line is this. The responsibility of the soul rests with the spiritual institutions of society and not government! You cannot heal the land, until you first heal the soul! This means the spiritual leaders of America need to step up their game, come forth, assume our rightful duties, and do what we do best, which is redemption, saving, healing and maintaining of a healthy and loving soul.


I guess you can say, I just took my first sip of tea and now I know at least there can be some good found in what is being brewed, if only we can deal with it!



To reach the NRAAC national chair:

Jean Howard-Hill
423-702-5622 NRAAC office
nraachowardhill@gmail.com
Jean.howard.hill@gmail.com

[Dr. Jean Howard-Hill is the author of Black Eyes Shut, White Lips Sealed. She has serves as the national chair for the National Black Republican Women with her late husband, Attorney Bobby Lee Hill serving as the head of the Black Republican Men for Change from 1987 to his death in 1991. After his death up until 1993, she remained head of the organization, and in 1999 combined the two groups to form the National Republican African American Caucus.

She has taught full time and as an adjunct, American Government, State and Local Government, and International Politics and Culture of Nonwestern Countries at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and was voted 2006 Outstanding Professor of the year. Additionally, from 1976 to 1979, she designed and directed the "Democracy In Action" Program, which was a civics program taught in the local school systems. Howard-Hill also is a local political commentator and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law. She also is ordained clergy and heads The Healing Place Ministries International, overseeing 47 ministries throughout Africa.

She also is a TN third district congressional candidate. If elected, she would be the first African American Republican and female to be elected from the third district. Her campaign website can be found at: http://ladyjforcongress.com and http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.com; http://jeanhowardhillcampaignnews.blogspot.com; http://blogwithladyjforcongress.blogspot.com; http://jeanhowardhillforcongress.ning.com; http://www.youtube.com/JHHCongress; http://twitter.com/ JHHCongress.]
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.

Rev. Dr. Jean Howard-Hill,
NRAAC National Chair
423-702-5622