Why are Blacks shunning the Republican Party?

This week, the Republican Party held its convention in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota to nominate their two best hopes for American president and vice president. When all was said and done, Arizona Senator John McCain was nominated for the presidency, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin for the vice presidency. But the images of those in attendance left me wondering why the party of Abraham Lincoln has not been able to attract more black Americans. Because there were so few persons of color, you would have thought you were at a Klan rally.

My question: Why are there so few black Americans flocking to the Republican Party? As a proud Democrat, I have my reasons for not aligning with it, but I want to know what you think.

Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com