By Lt. Ken Roland
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.
It was a bold move for a young Black professional, given the political landscape. The Democratic Party had long been seen as the natural home for Black voters, promising social programs and civil rights protections. However, my academic background and my understanding of economic and industrial trends led me to a different conclusion: putting all our hopes in one political party was not a sustainable strategy for long-term influence and progress.
Why the Republican Party?
Working as a consultant, I saw firsthand the appeal of Reagan’s economic policies, tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on industrial growth. Many of these policies benefited businesses, and I believed they could also be leveraged to uplift Black communities if properly applied. The narrative that all Republicans were anti-Black or indifferent to minority concerns was overly simplistic. There were conservative policies that, if tailored correctly, could foster entrepreneurship, homeownership, and economic independence within the Black community.
Yet, I also understood why so many Black Americans remained loyal to the Democratic Party. Programs such as affirmative action, social welfare, and civil rights legislation had clear and immediate benefits. However, I questioned whether sole reliance on these policies was the best long-term strategy. The assumption that the Democratic Party would always be the champion of Black progress was, in my view, a risk one that could lead to political complacency.
Predicting the Future: A 12-Year Republican Rule
My political instincts told me that Reagan’s charisma and conservative vision would dominate the 1980s. His emphasis on economic growth, military strength, and a return to traditional American values resonated with a broad segment of the country. I foresaw his re-election in 1984 and correctly anticipated that his vice president, George H.W. Bush, would follow in 1988.
The accuracy of these predictions reinforced my belief that Black political engagement should be broader than unwavering Democratic loyalty. If we ignored the Republican Party, we would risk alienating ourselves from half of the political power structure in America. I argued that we needed representation and influence within both parties to ensure our voices were heard, regardless of who was in power.
The Importance of Political Balance
My experiences within Republican circles did not make me reject the Democratic Party, nor did they make me blind to the shortcomings of conservative policies. Instead, they solidified my belief in political balance. Just as the Black community had leveraged the Democratic Party for civil rights advancements, we could also engage with the Republican Party to shape economic policies that benefited us.
By participating in both parties, we could ensure that our needs were addressed by whoever held power. Political independence rather than blind loyalty was the key to true influence.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
Decades later, as political polarization deepens, my early experiences remain relevant. The Black vote is still heavily Democratic, but there is a growing conversation about the role of conservatism in Black communities. Economic empowerment, school choice, and criminal justice reform are areas where conservative policies can intersect with Black interests.
The question remains: should Black Americans continue to invest 95% of their political capital in one party, or is it time to reimagine our engagement? My journey as a Black consultant for the Republican Party in 1980 taught me that real power comes not from unwavering loyalty, but from strategic participation in all political spaces.
It is not about abandoning one party for another it is about ensuring that our voices matter in both.