By Shermichael Singleton
When you mention the Republican party to the vast majority of Black Americans, their initial reaction is typically negative, and understandably so. However, I want to offer a new form of Black conservatism — one that isn’t hostile to Black people, and instead calls for uplifting our best attributes.
This form of Black conservatism is rooted in the desire to preserve and advance the interests of Black people within the broader American society by maintaining values that emphasize the importance of group strategic advancement over individual advancement. This ensures that we have the necessary resources and opportunities to prosper as a collective.
Black conservatism is distinctly separate from the mainstream conservative ideology. And at its foundation is the importance of the Black family. A strong and united family unit provides a nurturing environment that fosters love, support and guidance, empowering each member to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
In this context, marriage holds a significant place, as it symbolizes the commitment and dedication of two individuals to build a life together and create a stable foundation for their children. A study published in 2010 titled: “The Economics of Marriage” by the Pew Research Center found when children live in married-couple households, they are less likely to be in poverty. The research further found that married couples tend to accumulate more wealth over time, thus providing a more stable economic environment for raising children.
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Emphasizing the value of the Black family and marriage is essential in addressing many of the challenges Black communities face. A strong family can provide safety, values, education, identity and self-esteem. The Black family is a repository of our culture, history and values, acting as a conduit through which our rich heritage is passed down from generation to generation. By prioritizing the strength and stability of our families, we preserve the essence of our collective identity and ensure that our traditions and success continue to be shared and celebrated.
Within those families, Black conservatism promotes a strict academic focus, emphasizing the importance of rigorous and comprehensive education. Despite any lack of resources, it is important for us to be self-sufficient and educate our youth as generations before us did. This focus on education also extends to understanding our history and the Black American experience, empowering our youth to take pride in their heritage and build character and morality.
Another essential aspect of Black conservatism is community economics. We must prioritize our financial independence and stability, creating opportunities for generational wealth and economic security. To achieve this, Black Americans should invest in one another, supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs by pooling our money. We create a more robust foundation for future generations by fostering economic solidarity within our community.
We must also put collective pressure on the government and private sector to foster an environment for Black economic opportunities and growth. The private sector should invest more in creating pipelines for Black youth to have pathways that lead to employment opportunities after trade schools and/or college. The economic position of Black Americans is significantly behind that of white Americans, and federal protections and legislative priorities are a necessary component of closing the wealth gap. This approach is not about seeking handouts; rather, it is about committing to a robust and sustained legislative plan to help Black Americans achieve economic parity.
Black conservatism recognizes that the relationship with the government can be both a powerful force for good and a source of significant harm for Black Americans. We must acknowledge the historical context of government institutions in perpetuating racial inequality and injustice. While we should not wholly dismiss the potential for the government to enact positive change, we must be diligent in holding it accountable and advocating for policies that genuinely serve our best interests.
We must recognize that the government is meant to serve the people, not the other way around. As such, it is incumbent upon us as Black Americans to demand more from our elected representatives, regardless of their political affiliation. It is time to hold both Democrats and Republicans accountable for their inaction and ensure that they are genuinely committed to dismantling the barriers to progress and equality that have plagued our communities for generations.
Despite the numerous instances where the government has failed us or actively sought to oppress our communities, we continue to strive for change and believe in the possibility of a better future. This unwavering hope is a testament to the strength and spirit of Black Americans. And as we navigate the complexities of the modern world, we must not forget the lessons and wisdom that have been passed down through generations of Black Americans who have come before us. Our ancestors’ struggles, triumphs, and perseverance serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a reminder that we have the power to enact change and create a more just society while maintaining our traditional cultural inheritance.
Black conservatism is not an ideology that seeks to uphold the status quo, nor is it a rejection of progress and change. Instead, it is a pragmatic approach to preserving and advancing the interests of Black Americans in a society that has historically sought to marginalize and oppress us. By embracing cultural hesitance, joined economic focus, strict academic focus, community preservation and maintenance, and a cautious relationship with the government, Black conservatism provides a blueprint for sustained progress and empowerment.
Embracing Black conservatism does not mean isolating ourselves from the broader American society or rejecting the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Instead, it is a commitment to prioritizing the needs and interests of our community first. I don’t mean the caricatured Black Republican we often see who seems more interested in parroting talking points; I’m talking about a conservatism that is truly committed to the advancement of our community while acknowledging the issues that plague our community from the government to those internal struggles that must be addressed.
Black conservatism is not an antiquated or regressive ideology, which a vast majority of Black Americans associate with mainstream conservatism, but a framework that allows us to maintain and elevate our unique cultural identity while simultaneously forging a path toward progress and empowerment. By adopting these principles, we can ensure that our communities remain strong and vibrant, creating a better world for ourselves and for future generations of Black Americans.
Shermichael Singleton (X: @MrShermichael) is a Republican political consultant, CNN commentator and the host of “The Shermichael Singleton Show” on SiriusXM Radio.
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