Host Cecil Prescod speaks with Kevin Williams, writer, director and editor of the film "FEAR OF A BLACK REPUBLICAN: Does the Republican Party Really Want More African Americans?"
From the Civil War to FDR, the GOP was the party for African-Americans. Today, less than 10% of African Americans consider themselves to be Republican. This documentary film explores the phenomenon of Black Republicans, their battles with Democrats and their own Party, their struggle for power and acceptance within the African-American community and how this affects Black America and Urban America.
Today, many Black Republicans keep their political views to themselves or within family circles. Some endure insults like “Traitor,” “Uncle Tom” or “Oreo Cookie.” Based on their political beliefs, some question whether one can really be Black and a Republican at the same time. What does this mean for the future of America’s Two-Party Political System and Urban America?
Beginning in his hometown of Trenton, NJ, independent filmmaker Kevin Williams takes a non-partisan journey over four years, two Presidential Elections and eleven states to find out if the Two-Party Political system in Urban America may be failing his city and the country.; In taking a self-critical look at his own Republican Party, Williams focuses his camera on the GOP’s efforts in the African-American community and examines the history and lives of Black Republicans; the GOP’s campaign strategy in urban areas versus the suburbs; media perceptions of Black Republicans; Republican Party efforts to recruit African-Americans; Democratic Party efforts and success in retaining the African-American vote; what both parties are doing today and what it means to be a “Black Republican.”
The film screens November 17th at Portland State University
- KBOO