The Grift

1. The Black Republican Grift: A History of Betrayal

“Every minority and every people has its share of opportunists, traitors, freeloaders, and escapists.”

Grifters Defined. The "grift," as defined in this book, refers to the actions of opportunists who shift their political stances for personal gain, often at the expense of their own communities. This is not about differing political views, but about a calculated betrayal of Black interests for proximity to power. The Black Republican grift is a specific strain of this, where individuals leverage their Black identity to advance agendas that ultimately harm Black communities.

Historical Context. The book traces the evolution of Black Republicans from the post-Civil War era, where they were often at the forefront of the fight for civil rights, to the present day, where some Black Republicans actively undermine those same rights. This evolution is marked by a shift from a focus on collective uplift to a focus on individual advancement, often at the expense of the broader Black community.

The Grift's Impact. The Black Republican grift is not just about individual failings; it's about the systemic ways in which these individuals provide cover for a political party with anti-Black policies. By embracing and promoting these policies, they enable the perpetuation of white supremacy and undermine the progress made by previous generations.

2. Douglass: The True North of Black Political Action

“He was preeminently the white man’s President, entirely devoted to the welfare of white men.”

Douglass's Legacy. Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved man, was a powerful voice for Black liberation and a key figure in the early Republican Party. However, he was not a blind follower of the party. He was a fierce critic of Abraham Lincoln when necessary, demanding equality and holding the president accountable.

Douglass's Principles. Douglass's brand of Black Republicanism was rooted in a balanced critique of both political parties, a commitment to civil rights for all, and a focus on building thriving Black communities. He was a race-conscious leader who understood the need for specific policies to address the unique challenges faced by Black Americans.

The Contrast with Today's Grifters. Today's Black Republican grifters often distort Douglass's legacy, selectively referencing his words while ignoring his core principles. They prioritize the support of white conservatives over the needs of Black communities and advocate for race-neutral policies that fail to address systemic inequalities.

3. Reconstruction's Promise and Its Violent Demise

“The longer we procrastinate to apply the proper remedies the more chronic becomes the malady that we seek to heal.”

Reconstruction's Vision. Reconstruction was a period of hope and progress, marked by the election of Black officials and the passage of federal laws aimed at securing Black rights. However, this progress was met with fierce resistance from white supremacists, who used violence and intimidation to undermine Black political power.

The Betrayal of Reconstruction. The failure of Reconstruction was not solely due to the actions of President Andrew Johnson, but also the complicity of white Republicans who prioritized the reunification of the country over the rights of Black citizens. The Compromise of 1877, which removed federal troops from the South, marked the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of the Jim Crow era.

The Legacy of Reconstruction. The lessons of Reconstruction are crucial for understanding the present. The era demonstrated the importance of federal intervention in protecting Black rights and the dangers of compromising with white supremacy. It also highlighted the need for Black political power and the importance of building strong Black communities.

4. Montgomery and Washington: The Dawn of the Grift

“It were well that such a man had never been born, much less have been elected to represent the Negroes of Mississippi.”

Isaiah Montgomery's Betrayal. Isaiah Montgomery, a formerly enslaved man who became a successful landowner, is a prime example of an early Black Republican grifter. As the sole Black delegate at the Mississippi Constitutional Convention of 1890, he voted to disenfranchise Black voters, publicly stating that Black people were not ready for the vote.

Booker T. Washington's Accommodationism. Booker T. Washington, a prominent Black leader, advocated for Black people to focus on economic development and vocational training rather than political rights. While he did some good, his "Atlanta Compromise" speech of 1895 was seen by many as an accommodation to white supremacy, urging Black people to accept second-class citizenship.

The Grift's Pattern. Montgomery and Washington's actions set a pattern for future Black Republican grifters: prioritizing personal gain and acceptance by white elites over the needs of their own communities. They were praised by white media for their "reasonableness" and willingness to accept the status quo.

5. Robinson, Brooke, and Nixon: A Shifting Landscape

“A vote against me is a vote against Stokely Carmichael.”

Jackie Robinson's Disillusionment. Jackie Robinson, the baseball legend who broke the color barrier, was initially a Republican but became disillusioned with the party's stance on civil rights. He refused to endorse John F. Kennedy in 1960, but ultimately supported him after Kennedy's intervention in the jailing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Edward Brooke's "Non-Negro Politics." Edward Brooke, the first Black senator elected by popular vote, adopted a strategy of "non-Negro politics," downplaying race and denouncing Black Power activists to appeal to white voters. While he was a progressive in office, his campaign rhetoric set a precedent for future Black Republicans.

Nixon's Black Capitalism. President Richard Nixon, while appealing to white southerners, also promoted Black capitalism, a strategy that focused on economic development while ignoring the need for political power. This approach, while providing some opportunities, ultimately failed to address the systemic inequalities faced by Black communities.

6. Reagan, Pierce, and Thomas: The Grift Deepens

“It is a high-tech lynching for uppity Blacks who in any way deign to think for themselves.”

Reagan's Anti-Black Policies. President Ronald Reagan, despite his rhetoric of colorblindness, implemented policies that disproportionately harmed Black communities, including cuts to social programs and a war on drugs that led to mass incarceration. His administration also saw the rise of the "welfare queen" myth, a racist trope that demonized Black women.

Samuel Pierce's Complicity. Samuel Pierce, Reagan's secretary of housing and urban development, was the only Black member of his cabinet. He presided over massive budget cuts to HUD and was later embroiled in a scandal involving influence peddling. His actions demonstrated how Black Republicans can be used to implement policies that harm their own communities.

Clarence Thomas's Betrayal. Clarence Thomas, a Supreme Court Justice, is a prime example of a Black Republican grifter. He benefited from affirmative action but then worked to dismantle it. He also used his Black identity to deflect criticism, claiming that he was the victim of a "high-tech lynching" when accused of sexual harassment.

7. The Rise of Trump and the Black Republican Grifters

“My people are naturally Republicans and always will be, but as they grow older in freedom so do they in wisdom. A great portion of them have learned that they were being used as mere tools.”

Trump's Racist Rhetoric. Donald Trump's presidency marked a new low for the Republican Party, with his open embrace of racism and white supremacy. He used coded language and dog whistles to appeal to his base, and his administration saw a rise in hate crimes and white nationalist violence.

The New Grifters. The Trump era saw the rise of a new breed of Black Republican grifters, including figures like Candace Owens, Herschel Walker, and Omarosa Manigault Newman. These individuals gained prominence by defending Trump's racism and attacking Black leaders and activists. They were rewarded with media attention and financial gain for their willingness to betray their own communities.

The Limits of the Grift. While these grifters may have achieved some level of success, their actions ultimately undermined the progress made by previous generations of Black leaders. They provided cover for a political party that was increasingly hostile to Black rights and interests.

8. The Path Forward: Reclaiming Black Political Power

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

The Need for Collective Action. The book concludes by emphasizing the need for Black voters to reclaim their political power and hold both parties accountable. This requires a rejection of the grift and a commitment to building strong Black communities and supporting leaders who prioritize Black interests.

The Power of the Black Vote. Black voters have historically been the moral voice of the electorate, and they have the power to shape the future of the country. By voting strategically and demanding accountability from elected officials, Black communities can create a more just and equitable society.

A Call to Action. The book calls for a return to the principles of Douglass Republicanism: a balanced critique of both parties, a commitment to civil rights, and a focus on building thriving Black communities. It also emphasizes the need to expose and reject the grift, and to support leaders who are committed to the collective uplift of Black people.

Last updated: January 24, 2025