Why aren’t conservative black Americans joining the Republican Party?

Four years ago, an unlikely candidate rose to fame and revived the huge political division in American history. His name is Donald Trump. After Mr. Trump’s election, black Americans further alienated themselves from the Republican Party. However, the number of conservative African-Americans who choose to ally with the Democratic Party is astonishing.

Why do black Americans avoid the Republican Party? After all, this is the party that was founded by anti-slavery activists. Republicans are often painted to be racist, homophobic and downright anti-immigrant. The truth is, anyone can be racist or homophobic.

The proof is Ralph Northam, the current governor of Virginia who also happens to be a Democrat. In February 2019, a photograph of Northam wearing blackface surfaced on the internet and caused outrage among Democrats as well as Republicans.

Granted, racists are only a small fraction of our population. And wanting to uphold immigration laws doesn’t make one anti-immigrant.

Today, I am happy to be existing in an American society where most people get along and are free to be whom they are. So, why are conservative black Americans registered as Democrats?

Anne Sophie Jean Baptiste, Winter Haven