by Lance Elliot Griffin

Republican President Gerald Ford, raised in Kent County, was the first American president to declare that February was “Black History Month”. I am diametrically opposed to any such ethnic heritage months because they inevitably elevate one ethnic group or another over others, while always being very careful to exclude Whites.

Of course Blacks have an incredible track record of high achievement. However, these great achievers should be celebrated for embodying American values such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and hard work. Instead, Black History Month asks Americans to focus first and foremost on their race. This insulting reduction of Black Americans aligns perfectly with the Left’s obsession with group identity—the importance of the individual is lost.

Liberals have also hijacked the holiday month as an excuse to push divisive policies, such as critical race theory, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which all focus on separation rather than much-needed unity. 

Nevertheless, President Ford is included in a rich heritage of Republicans who strived to bring about a “more perfect union” by extending the blessings of liberty to Black Americans. The Republican Party has consistently lead efforts to promote an environment in which all citizens could experience life more abundantly and pursue happiness, including Blacks. In contrast, Democrats have consistently resisted efforts to liberate Blacks.

In 1865 the 13th amendment, which ended the dark days of legal slavery in America, passed with 100% Republican support and only 23% Democrat support.

In 1866 the 14th amendment overturning Dred Scott and granting full citizenship and equal rights under the law to black Americans, passed with exclusive Republican support and zero Democrat support.

The Civil Rights Act of 1866, guaranteeing the rights of black Americans to make contracts and receive equal protection under the law irrespective of the color of their skin, was passed by Republicans and vetoed by Democrat President Andrew Johnson. Johnson was quoted as saying, “This is a country for white men, and by God, as long as I am President, it shall be a government of white men.” Thankfully, Republicans overrode Johnson’s veto.

The Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, known as the Force Act, empowered federal officials to crack down on the terrorist activities of the Democrat-founded KKK, ultimately leading to its dismantling during that period. This Act was passed by Republicans and signed by Republican Ulysses S. Grant.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 guaranteed black Americans, women, and other minorities the right not to be discriminated against in jobs and government contracts. It passed in the House of Representatives with 63 percent of Democrats and 80 percent of Republicans, and in the Senate with 69 percent of Democrats and 94 percent of Republicans.

Nothing has changed. Republicans continue to stand for common sense and a meritocracy that offers opportunity to all Americans. Meanwhile, Democrat policies and rhetoric 1) promote abortion, which kills more blacks than are born in many jurisdictions, 2) replace fathers with welfare checks, and 3) have created Democrat-governed American cities which are among the most dangerous places on earth. Liberal Democrats are against voter ID because that “would disenfranchise minorities, especially Blacks”, which implies that Blacks are too stupid to know how to get a State ID. Worst of all, Democrats reject the idea that our rights come from God, and therefore, it must be with respect to God that we govern ourselves. For example, the LGBTQABC123 agenda and the transgender delusion are anathema to the values of the Black community.

Let 2024 be the year that Blacks return to their Republican roots and leave the Democrat plantation which has enslaved them intellectually, financially, and spiritually.