Black Tea Party Members Face Tough Criticism

Timothy F. Johnson, chairman of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, is one of the many black conservatives associated with the Tea Party Movement.

Black conservatives throughout the Tea Party Movement are facing harsh criticism from liberal blacks, according to the Associated Press. They are being called Oreos, Uncle Toms and traitors for opposing the policies of Barack Obama, the United States’ first black president.

The Tea Party Movement, which began in 2009, formed in response to what many people viewed as an increasing disconnect between the actions of politicians and the will of the people.

Their mission statement, taken from the Tea Party’s official website, states, “The impetus for the Tea Party movement is excessive government spending and taxation. Our mission is to attract, educate, organize, and mobilize our fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with our three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets.”

This mobilization has taken the form of hundreds of protests and rallies throughout the United States, including Atlanta, New York City and Washington, D.C. Thousands of people have peacefully gathered and participated in these events throughout the movement’s short history.

Many black conservatives were drawn to the movement based on its principles, despite the fact that the majority of tea party participants are white. For that reason, many black Tea Party supporters are being singled out by the larger black community.

Timothy F. Johnson, chairman of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, is one of the many black conservatives associated with the Tea Party Movement.

“I’ve been told I hate myself. I’ve been called an Uncle Tom. I’ve been told I’m a spook at the door,” Johnson said, “Black Republicans find themselves always having to prove who they are. Because the assumption is the Republican Party is for whites and the Democratic Party is for blacks.”

Opponents of the movement have labeled the Tea Party as inherently racist, which some felt was validated when several black congressmen claimed that Tea Party members assaulted them with racial slurs during the heated healthcare debate.

However, most Tea Party supporters, including its black members, don’t believe that race is or should be a factor in their beliefs.

It’s “not about a black or white issue,” said Angela McGlowan, a black congressional candidate in Mississippi, “It’s not even about Republican or Democrat, from my standpoint … All of us are taxed too much.”

McGlowan is using the Tea Party gatherings as a chance for her to get in touch with her conservative base and gather support for her campaign, despite the fact that the majority of black voters support the Democratic Party. In his 2008 campaign, Barack Obama gained the support of 95 percent of voting blacks.

Those that voted against him, though, don’t feel they should have to apologize for or hide their political beliefs because of their color.

David Webb, a conservative radio personality and the organizer of New York City’s Tea Party 365, Inc. movement has been asked, “How can you not support the brother?” Webb also said that some black conservatives have gone to great lengths to hide their conservative views.

“I know of people who would play the (liberal) role publicly, but have their private opinions,” Webb said. “They don’t agree with the policy but they have to work, live and exist in the community … Why can’t we speak openly and honestly if we disagree?”

Clifton Bazar, a black, conservative writer based on New Jersey, said, “You have to be honest and true to yourself. What am I supposed to do, vote Democratic just to be popular? Just to fit in?”

The Americano / Agencies