As the Republican National Convention kicks off today (July 15) in Milwaukee, it serves as a strong reminder to Black folks that all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk. For years, Black conservatives have peddled white supremacist rhetoric as a way of gaining and maintaining power. Here is a list of them who are scheduled to speak to the RNC.
1. Amber Rose
This newly minted Trump-supporting conservative made a name for herself in the entertainment world as a model and video vixen. Amber Rose is also the former partner of Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa, respectively. In what seems to be a sad attempt to keep the spotlight on her, Rose is now a proud Republican. “I’m a single mother of two. I’m an American, I was born in Philadelphia. And for me, Donald Trump is the epitome of an alpha male,” the star said in a new interview on Lara Trump’s podcast “The Right View.” “He’s there to protect, provide, make sure the citizens of the U.S. are in a good economy, protecting us. I feel protected by Donald Trump.”
2. Tim Scott
U.S. Senator of South Carolina Tim Scott attempted to garner the 2024 Republican presidential nomination for himself last year, but failed and ultimately suspended his campaign. Many believe that Trump may select him as his running mate, though Scott has been pretty vague about this possibility. In the past, he has stated systemic racism isn’t real and that welfare was worse for Black people than slavery. However, he recently talked The Root, voicing his support of Trump and African Americans.
https://www.theroot.com/the-roots-exclusive-interview-with-senator-tim-scott-1851590682
3. Mark Robinson
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has a history of making truly despicable comments, including that “some folks need killing” that garnered him his latest backlash. Robinson, who labels himself as a “MAGA Republican,” has also stated that trans women should be arrested, homosexuality is linked to pedophilia, supported the racist “birther” conspiracy about Barack Obama, called Michelle Obama a man and promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories.
4. Ben Carson
The infamous conservative, who has been touted as a potential VP pick for Donald Trump, served as the Trump administration’s secretary of housing and urban development. Carson believes there should be a national abortion ban, and once likened women who terminate pregnancies to “slave owners.” He also called for an end to no-fault divorces earlier this year.
5. Eric Johnson
Last year, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson changed his political party from Democrat to Republican. For nine years, Johnson served in the Texas Legislature as a Democrat before becoming mayor in 2019. During his tenure, he has has built a strong relationship with Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. In an op-ed, Johnson wrote that Democratic policies “exacerbate homelessness, coddle criminals and make it harder for ordinary people to make a living.”
6. Byron Donalds
Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds has been accused of being a prop to gain Black votes for Trump. As a state House lawmaker, Donalds has supported reforms that would give far-right groups the power to alter school curricula and ban books certain from school libraries. Donalds has also stated that “during Jim Crow, the Black family was together” and that former President Lyndon Johnson, along with the welfare system, ruined family values.
7. John James
Michigan’s first Black Republican congressman is a full-on Trump supporter. James once compared abortion to genocide and in 2023 voted against congressional efforts to codify abortion rights into law. He also called the Republican Party the party of “emancipation” and “the Civil Rights movement.” James also refers to himself as “an open-minded, free-thinking conservative.”
8. Wesley Hunt
Texas Wesley Hunt has called the Republican Party “inclusive for all Americans” yet is facing campaign finance probes for allegedly using funds to pay for private club memberships. Hunt has also spoken out against Biden’s policies addressing the U.S.-Mexico border, is pro-gun, anti-abortion and is a staunch supporter of Israel.