Politics, Primaries, and Polarization Town Hall

As the executive director of a community center that serves people from both sides of the political aisle—Republicans and Democrats alike—I have the privilege of hearing what everyday Oklahomans truly care about. I’ve sat down with single mothers who rely on government programs to make ends meet, as well as small business owners fighting for fewer regulations. This unique vantage point gives me insight into both perspectives, which is why this upcoming town hall is such an exciting opportunity. Over the next few weeks, I’ll prepare for this event and, starting October 27th, I invite you to walk with me through a four-day journey as I engage in candid conversations about race, faith, and politics.

Why This Election Is So Important

Democrats’ Perspective:
For Democrats, this election represents a crucial opportunity to advance progressive policies that address systemic inequalities, particularly those affecting marginalized communities like African Americans. Issues such as healthcare access, economic equity, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection are at the forefront. The outcome of this election could determine the trajectory of these policies for years to come.

Republicans’ Perspective:
Republicans view this election as pivotal for preserving traditional values, fiscal responsibility, and upholding constitutional freedoms. They emphasize issues such as tax cuts, deregulation, strong national defense, and supporting law enforcement. The election outcome will shape the balance of power in government and influence decisions on critical issues like immigration, healthcare reform, and economic recovery.

Where Donald Trump Fits into the Conversation

One person who’s had a major impact on how we talk about politics is Donald Trump. His presence in American politics has created deep division—but it has also energized a segment of Black voters who appreciate his approach. Contrary to popular belief, there are aspects of Trump’s message that resonate with some in the Black community. His focus on economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship speaks directly to people who want to build generational wealth and become self-reliant. Many Black voters also appreciate his boldness, seeing it as a refreshing change from politicians who pander without real results. Trump’s tough stance on law and order aligns with those who want safer communities, including some African American families who are concerned about crime in their neighborhoods.

However, while Trump has struck a chord with some Black conservatives, there’s no denying that he—and the Republican Party as a whole—misses the mark in key areas. Tone and delivery matter. Many Black Americans who agree with conservative principles still feel alienated by Trump’s rhetoric, which can come off as dismissive or lacking empathy. The Republican Party often fails to engage with Black communities on a meaningful level, relying on outdated stereotypes that Black voters are unreachable. It’s not enough to talk about economic opportunity if there isn’t an intentional effort to understand the unique challenges Black Americans face.

Where Kamala Harris Fits into the Conversation

Just as Donald Trump has drawn both support and criticism from Black voters, Kamala Harris’s efforts to connect with the Black community have also sparked mixed reactions. On one hand, many Black Americans are proud to see a woman of Black and South Asian descent in the White House, viewing her as a symbol of representation and progress. For some, her background as a former prosecutor and senator reflects hard-earned success in a system that often works against people of color. Harris’s leadership represents the breaking of barriers—and that matters.

However, Harris’s outreach to Black voters has often been met with skepticism. Critics argue that her dance routines, casual cultural references, and “viral” moments come across as performative rather than meaningful. While intended to resonate, these gestures can feel like pandering—reducing Black culture to superficial entertainment instead of engaging with deeper issues. Education, entrepreneurship, public safety, and economic opportunity are among the priorities for many Black voters, but Harris’s engagement strategy seems to miss these targets.

What frustrates some Black Americans most is that candidates sometimes appear more focused on “relating” than delivering results. Harris’s actions highlight a deeper challenge: both parties often rely on outdated assumptions about what Black voters care about. This leaves many of us wondering: Do these leaders see us as individuals with diverse perspectives—or as a voting bloc they just need to “check off”?

Missed Opportunities from Both Parties

The political engagement strategies of both parties often leave Black voters feeling misunderstood and underserved, while missing opportunities to connect with African American voters in meaningful ways.

Cultural References and Media Appearances
Politicians often try to connect with Black voters through slang, rap music references, or appearances on Black media platforms like The Breakfast Club. However, without genuine policy backing, these efforts come across as superficial and performative. This reinforces the perception that politicians view Black voters as a monolith, rather than addressing their diverse priorities.

As Coleman Hughes aptly put it, "The best way to ensure that blacks continue to be disillusioned with America is to perpetuate the myth that racism is everywhere, always, and in everything. It's not true, and everyone knows it's not true."

Beyond Politics: A Call to Authentic Engagement

At the end of the day, this is about more than just elections. It’s about dignity, understanding, and respect. Black voters are entrepreneurs, faith leaders, educators, and change-makers. We care about more than who wins—we care about policies that uplift families, support businesses, and create lasting change. We believe in financial stewardship, standing firm on biblical principles, and creating safer, stronger communities—not just political buzzwords.

The Countdown Begins – Join Me on October 27th

In just a couple of weeks, I’ll begin a four-day blog series starting on October 27th, where I’ll document my experience at the town hall. During this journey, we’ll tackle questions like:

• How can Democrats better connect with Black intellectuals without alienating them with rhetoric?
  Many Black Oklahomans feel that Democratic candidates often overlook their values and concerns, focusing instead on issues that may not resonate as strongly. Joe Biden’s remark, "If you don’t vote for me, you ain’t Black," exemplifies the disconnect that can alienate potential supporters. Similarly, Kamala Harris’s attempts to engage with Black culture through degrading hip-hop references are perceived as pandering. Superficial cultural antics can backfire, leading many Black voters to pause and reevaluate their expectations of support based solely on race. These instances highlight a troubling pattern where engagement appears more as an expectation of loyalty rather than a genuine effort to address substantive issues.

• How can Republicans better connect with faith-driven Black conservatives without alienating them with rhetoric?

• What do both Trump’s and Harris’s strategies reveal about how politicians engage with Black culture—and what needs to change?

From October 27th to October 30th, I’ll share daily reflections on these complex issues and conversations. Then, I’ll take things further with exclusive insights from a government summit in Washington, D.C., running from October 31st to November 3rd.

I invite you to follow along on this thought-provoking journey where faith, race, and politics intersect. If we want real change, we must challenge assumptions and demand authentic engagement from our leaders—no matter which party they belong to. I look forward to hearing your thoughts along the way.

Mark your calendars—October 27th. I can’t wait to take this journey with you. Let's dive deep, challenge assumptions, and open the door to real change. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss a single day.