Grifting in the Name of the GOP: The Rise of Black Conservatives in MAGA Hats

By Michael Smith

Black conservatives are having a moment. From the Republican National Convention’s (RNC) star-studded lineup to the rallying cries of “America is not a racist country,” they are everywhere, and they’ve got a message to deliver. But let’s not kid ourselves—these aren’t voices rising from the grassroots of the Black community; they’re polished performances designed to appeal to a specific, predominantly white, audience. It’s a strategy that’s as old as politics itself: find a few Black faces to say what needs to be said, and watch the crowd eat it up.

The RNC Showcase: Black Faces, White Spaces

At past Republican National Conventions, we've witnessed a parade of Black conservatives stepping up to the mic, each more eager than the last to proclaim their allegiance to conservative values. Figures like Senator Tim Scott have insisted that systemic racism is a myth and that the real problem in America is the lack of personal responsibility within the Black community.

And then there was Amber Rose, who, in true celebrity fashion, brought a bit of star power to the event. But don’t get it twisted—this wasn’t the Amber Rose you’re thinking of. This Amber Rose was one of the Black speakers at a previous RNC, another performer in the grand spectacle of the GOP’s diversity parade. Much like Kanye West's flirtations with conservatism, her presence was less about genuine political conviction and more about the optics.

Topher’s Tale: The Illusion of Individualism

Take Topher, a Christian rapper and one of the RNC’s poster boys for the new wave of Black conservatism. He proudly proclaimed his belief in an individualistic approach to solving the issues within the Black community, citing the success of Black Wall Street and the Harlem Renaissance as proof that Black people don’t need government intervention—they just need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

But there’s a glaring contradiction in his narrative. On one hand, he celebrates these historical Black communities, which thrived on collective power and mutual support. On the other, he pushes a narrative that undermines the very principles that made those communities successful. It’s a bit like Kanye West, who once declared himself a champion of the people, only to turn around and support policies that hurt the very communities he claimed to uplift.

The Real Agenda: A New Face for Old Politics

The rise of Black conservatives in the Republican Party is more about rebranding than it is about a genuine ideological shift. Figures like Byron Donalds and Tim Scott are keen to point out that the GOP was the party of Lincoln, conveniently ignoring how far the party has drifted from those roots. Today’s GOP, with its anti-woke, anti-DEI rhetoric, is more concerned with maintaining its predominantly white base than with addressing the systemic issues that continue to plague Black communities.

But what’s really telling is where these Black conservatives find their political footing. None of them represent majority-Black districts. Instead, they thrive in majority-white spaces, where their rhetoric is more palatable to voters who want to believe that systemic racism isn’t real and that any Black person can succeed if they just try hard enough.

Pastor Lorenzo Sewell: The Gospel of Trumpism

And then there’s Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who took to the RNC stage to preach the gospel of Trumpism. He likened the experience of being a Black conservative to being gay in the 1950s—something you don’t talk about unless you want to be ostracized. But Sewell wasn’t just there to share his truth; he was there to reassure white voters that supporting Trump doesn’t make them racist. After all, if a Black pastor from Detroit can embrace Trump, how bad can he really be?

This kind of rhetoric is nothing new, but it’s been repackaged for a new era. Sewell and others like him are the spiritual heirs to a long line of Black conservatives who have found success by aligning themselves with white political power. They’re not just supporting Trump; they’re validating the grievances of a base that’s increasingly uncomfortable with the changing demographics of America.

The Grifters: Selling Out for a Seat at the Table

Clay Cane’s book The Grift perfectly captures the essence of what’s happening here. Black conservatives like those we saw at the RNC aren’t just pushing a political agenda—they’re selling out their communities for a seat at the table. And like any good grift, it’s all about timing. They know that aligning with Trump and the GOP is a lucrative move right now, and they’re making the most of it.

Kanye West, with his MAGA hat and confusing political pivot, serves as a cautionary tale here. Much like Kanye, these Black conservatives are playing a dangerous game, one that’s more about personal gain than about uplifting the Black community. They’ve seen the opportunity, and they’ve seized it, but at what cost? 

The Future of the Black Conservative Grift

The rise of Black conservatives in the GOP isn’t a movement; it’s a strategy. It’s about giving white conservatives the validation they crave while ignoring the systemic issues that continue to oppress Black communities. And as long as there’s a stage to stand on and a check to cash, you can bet that this grift will continue.

But the question remains: how long can they keep up the act? As more and more people see through the rhetoric, the cracks in the facade are beginning to show. And while they may be enjoying the spotlight now, the day will come when the grift is no longer profitable, and they’ll be left to face the consequences of their choices.

Further Reading and Sources:

1. Cane, Clay. The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump. Link to book on Amazon.
2. "The Role of Black Conservatives in the GOP." Mother Jones. Link to article.

Watch the Full Video

To dive deeper into this discussion, I encourage you to watch the original video that inspired this blog. It’s packed with insights and examples that shed light on the Black conservative movement and its implications.