In the 1980 presidential election, fresh out of Purdue University with a degree in political science and minors in community development, industrial management, and history, I found myself stepping into an unexpected role as a consultant for the Republican Party. At the time, 95% of Black Americans were registered Democrats, a legacy of the civil rights movement and its alignment with liberal policies. Yet, I saw something different. I knew Ronald Reagan was going to win, and I predicted that his presidency would pave the way for 12 years of Republican rule, with George H.W. Bush following in his footsteps.