Since the mid-nineties, Republicans have led the effort to destroy affirmative action. It was Republican Governor Wilson along with Black Republican Ward Connerly, backed by the Republican Party, that pushed through California's Proposition 209 in 1996, gutting affirmative action. The movement spread to the Republican controlled U.S. Congress to demolish affirmative action at the Federal level, but was blocked by one Black Republican, congressman J.C. Watts of Oklahoma.

As Congressman Watts, now the highest ranking Black in the history of the US Congress, plans his visit to the Dan Francisco Bay Area, the debate once again turns to "Black Republicans." Like Watts, other key Black Republicans that are strong affirmative action supporters include General Colin Powell and Joshua Smith, Chair of former Republican Presidents Bush's Minority Business Development Commission. Even Republican Dr. Arthur Fletcher, Chairman of the Board of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, is nationally recognized as the "father" of affirmative action for instituting the first affirmative action plan in this country as Assistant Secretary of Labor under President Nixon.

In opposition, however are Black Republican conservatives who show contempt for affirmative action such as Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, BET television commentator and writer Armstrong Williams, University of California Regent Ward Connerly and even the niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, jr., Alveda King-Beale. Dr. Alan Keyes' success as a Republican presidential candidate has raised the bar on Black conservative thinking. While this small group of Black conservatives is vocal, tapping into the belief and support of white power brokers, they do not speak for most Black Republicans.

"Republicans have the money and most Black Republicans are prominent and wealthy" states Earl White, a Republican and President of the San Francisco Black Chamber of Commerce. Joining Earl White a leader in the support of affirmative action is the controversial President of the Oakland NAACP Branch, Shannon Reeves. Reeves was recently criticized for appearing on national TV supporting the victory of Republican Presidential candidate George Bush. "My critics forget that Governor George Bush has done many things for African Americans in business in the State of Texas," notes Reeves. "As managing partner of the Texas Rangers Bush brought in Pro-line Hair Care Products President comer Cotrell as part owner. As governor he was responsible for Michael Williams being appointed Texas Railroad Commissioner who regulates all oil and natural gas for the state. As a Presidential candidate has Congressman J.C. Watts serving as Domestic Policy Advisor and is a leading candidate as the first Black Secretary of State," Reeves adds.

One thing for sure, Blacks now make up more than 50% of those in prison, single women head 45% of Black households and the governor of Florida has cancelled all affirmative action. The net worth of the median Black household, in this unprecedented booming economy has fallen by 17% to $7,000. Democrats nor Republicans have successfully elevated the masses of African Americans in this country since President Johnson. The survival of African America is dependent upon all parties working together. Republican or Democrat, "he who is without sin, throw the first stone."