Republicans, Democrats & African-American Organizations 100 Years Ago & 100 Years Later

Republicans, Democrats & African-American Organizations 100 Years Ago & 100 Years Later 

Today (Oct 2nd 2025) I made a public statement that challenges us to look honestly at our history and our present. Every African-American organization created more than a hundred years ago was born out of necessity — to counteract the Democratic Party’s policies of segregation, disenfranchisement, and oppression. Organizations like the NAACP and the Church of God in Christ were built in the South, at a time when Democrats controlled the laws and institutions that denied us freedom, justice, and opportunity. Yet now, many of those very organizations have become deeply tied to the Democratic Party, contributing to it, endorsing it, and even refusing to work with African-Americans who still want to challenge Democratic oppression. This reality raises a painful question for us as a people: What happened to us? How did organizations once rooted in resistance and independence become gatekeepers for the same political establishment they were created to oppose? This work explores that question by examining the history of our organizations, the role of both political parties, and the way systemic racism has continued to evolve

(these were created when Black people were facing the harshest realities of Reconstruction backlash, Jim Crow, and systemic disenfranchisement — often from Democratic-controlled governments in the South at the time):

• NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) – Founded in 1909 in response to racial violence (Springfield Race Riot of 1908).
• National Urban League (NUL) – Founded in 1910 to help Black migrants from the South adjust to urban life and economic opportunities.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1906, first Black Greek-letter fraternity.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Founded 1908, first Black sorority.
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1911.
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1911.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Founded 1913, focused on social activism and public service.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1914.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Founded 1920.
• Church of God in Christ (COGIC) – Established in 1897, formally incorporated in 1907. Grew into one of the largest African-American Pentecostal denominations in the U.S.
• National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC) – Founded 1896, uniting Black women’s organizations under the motto “Lifting as We Climb.”
• Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters – Founded 1925 by A. Philip Randolph, the first Black labor union to be recognized by the AFL.

African-American Organizations About 75–100 Years Old

(created in the midst of Jim Crow and early civil rights struggles):

• Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1963, the youngest of the Divine Nine.
• Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) – Founded in 1957, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to coordinate nonviolent protest.
• Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) – Founded 1942, played a major role in Freedom Rides and desegregation campaigns.
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) – Founded in 1960, major role in sit-ins, voter registration, and grassroots organizing.
• National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, uplifting Black women and families.
• Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – Founded in 1938, social/cultural group for African-American families.

Post-Civil Rights Era & Contemporary (50–75 years and younger)

(these came out of the Civil Rights victories but also responded to continuing systemic racism):

• Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) – Founded in 1971, political collective of African-American members of Congress.
• National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) – Founded in 1970, focused on advancing Black professionals in business.
• National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) – Founded in 1975, advocating for fair representation in media.
• 100 Black Men of America – Founded in 1963, focused on mentoring and education.
• Rainbow PUSH Coalition – Founded in 1971 by Rev. Jesse Jackson.
• Black Lives Matter (BLM) – Founded in 2013, response to police violence.

If you notice the pattern: the older groups (NAACP, Urban League, COGIC, NACWC, Black fraternities & sororities, etc.) were born in a time when Black people were explicitly fighting Democratic Party oppression in the South (Jim Crow, segregation, disenfranchisement). But today, many of these same organizations align with Democrats — largely because since the Civil Rights Movement, the political parties flipped positions on race issues (with Democrats becoming associated with civil rights support and Republicans attracting Southern conservatives).

The Gatekeeping of Institutionalized Racism by the Democratic Party

For more than 100 years, African-American organizations were created to fight systemic racism, counter political oppression, and build self-sufficient communities. These organizations — the NAACP, the Urban League, the Church of God in Christ, fraternities, sororities, and grassroots associations — were birthed in an era where African-Americans had no political party fully representing them. Many of these organizations existed to directly challenge Jim Crow Democrats who controlled the South.

Yet today, many of those same organizations — now over a century old — have aligned themselves with the Democratic Party. And while Democrats present themselves as “progressive” champions of civil rights, African-American communities continue to suffer deeply in areas where Democrats hold the most power.

Concentration of Poverty in Democrat-Controlled Cities

• The cities with the highest concentration of African-American poverty — Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, St. Louis, Jackson (MS), etc. — have been under Democratic mayors and city councils for decades.
• These communities experience generational poverty, systemic underemployment, failing schools, and under-resourced neighborhoods, despite decades of promises of reform.
• Instead of empowerment, dependency on government aid has been normalized.

Family and Social Decline Under Democratic Leadership

Statistical evidence shows that African-American family structures were stronger when Black organizations were independent of Democratic Party sponsorship:

• Marriage Rates: In the 1950s–1960s, nearly 70–75% of African-American children were born into two-parent households. Today, that number is below 30%, with the overwhelming majority of Black children born to single-parent homes.
• Abortion: Since Roe v. Wade (1973), abortion rates have disproportionately affected African-American women. Today, Black women account for nearly 40% of all abortions in the U.S., despite being only about 13% of the population. Many of the abortion providers are concentrated in urban, Democrat-run areas.
• Incarceration: The United States now imprisons African-Americans at more than 5 times the rate of whites. The rise of mass incarceration accelerated under policies such as Joe Biden’s 1994 Crime Bill, with support from Democratic leadership.
• Drug Use and Dependency: The so-called “War on Drugs” — while bipartisan — disproportionately criminalized Black communities. At the same time, urban Democratic leadership has failed to reduce drug-related poverty and violence in their cities.

The Disconnect Between Rhetoric and Reality

Democrats present themselves as the party of civil rights, yet:

• They preside over the highest concentrations of African-American poverty.
• They control the institutions where Black families are breaking down the most.
• They maintain political sponsorships of historic African-American organizations, ensuring those organizations rarely challenge Democratic power structures directly.

A Stronger Past

When African-American organizations were built to counter oppression — not to serve as satellites of a political party:

• Families were stronger.
• Churches and community institutions had more influence.
• Self-reliance was emphasized, rather than dependency.
• Social cohesion was higher, drug abuse was lower, and abortion was far less common.

The correlation is clear: despite 50+ years of Democratic Party dominance in African-American politics, the lived condition of our communities is not better, but worse. Progress is promised, but the statistics of family decline, incarceration, poverty, and violence tell another story.

Time Period	What Was the Republican Party Historically	Key Turning Points Where GOP Started Changing / Realigning	Resulting Ideological Shift
Mid-1800s to early 1900s	GOP founded as anti-slavery, major role in Reconstruction. Democrats were the party of the South, segregation, Jim Crow.	After the Civil War, through Reconstruction. Over time, Democrats’ white supremacist wing dominates Southern states, disenfranchisement, etc. GOP holds federal power and (for some decades) civil rights legislation (13th, 14th, 15th Amendments).	Clear divide: Republicans (in theory) more supportive of Black civil rights; Democrats (especially Southern Democrats) the obstructor.
1930s–1950s	As New Deal progresses, many Black voters shift toward Democrats because of economic relief, though segregationists remain in the Democratic Party.	Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies draw Black voters, despite segregationist Democrats. Truman desegregates the military. Supreme Court decisions (Brown v. Board, etc.). Democrats begin to include civil rights more explicitly.	Democrats begin to be seen (especially in the North) as the party more friendly to Black Americans, civil rights; Republicans more conservative, especially in the South. But still mixed.
1960s	Massive shift. Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965) passed under Democratic leadership. Southern Democrats (Dixiecrats) opposed. Republicans begin to craft “Southern Strategy.” (Wikipedia)	1964–68: Key moments: Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, LBJ signs; backlash from white Southern Democrats; many move over time toward Republican Party. Nixon’s campaigns work to appeal to white social conservatives. (Wikipedia)	Over decades, GOP becomes more socially conservative, more aligned with states’ rights arguments, law-and-order rhetoric. Democrats more associated with civil rights, welfare, social justice policies.
1970s–2000s	The realignment continues: Republican gains in the South, more polarization along race, public policy, identity.	Reagan era: cultural conservatism, “family values,” opposition to affirmative action; GOP increasingly appealing to white voters concerned about desegregation, civil rights, Supreme Court rulings. Democrats increasingly liberal on race issues, affirmative action, DEI, social policy.	GOP consolidates a base of social conservatives, many white, skeptical of progressive race policies. Democrats largely embrace (or accept) race-conscious policies, DEI, civil rights enforcement.
2010s – Trump’s First Term	GOP increasingly populist; embrace of nationalist ideals; skepticism toward multiculturalism, progressive race policies; growing divides over “woke culture,” DEI, immigration.	Trump’s rhetoric: anti-immigration, “law and order,” critiques of DEI, anti “political correctness.” Courts shift; Supreme Court decisions narrow affirmative action; battles over teaching race history, critical race theory, etc.	The GOP becomes more openly hostile to many of the progressive race policies. The rhetoric shifts to “equality under the law” or “merit,” but many see it as rejecting any structural remedies.
2025 / Trump Second Term	GOP in power with full control of executive branch; pushing rollback of many civil rights / diversity programs. Increased criticism from Black community over material outcomes.	Executive orders and policies to dismantle DEI offices; rescinding affirmative action rules; other regulatory rollbacks. Economic policies that critics say disproportionately hurt low income, often Black, households. Rhetoric around race used in messaging (attacking DEI, labeling institutional equity as “discrimination,” etc.). Examples: revoking Executive Order 11246, etc. (Wikipedia)	The GOP now in many ways mirrors what critics say old Democrats did: rejecting institutional efforts to protect or uplift historically marginalized groups; emphasizing individual responsibility, law & order, safety, and “merit” over group outcomes; minimizing government social safety nets. In effect, rejecting “progressive” race equity measures.

Here’s a timeline + analysis of how, in your terms, the Republican Party has come to join in (“be in cahoots”) with the Democratic Party of the past in maintaining systems that many view as institutionalized racism, poverty, control over Black communities, even while rejecting much of the old Republican “emancipation” or “civil rights” platform. I’ll also include examples of recent policies or actions (since Trump’s second term / in 2025) that many African‐Americans and minorities criticize as hostile or neglectful.

Timeline: Party Realignment & Shifts

Time Period	What Was the Republican Party Historically	Key Turning Points Where GOP Started Changing / Realigning	Resulting Ideological Shift
Mid-1800s to early 1900s	GOP founded as anti-slavery, major role in Reconstruction. Democrats were the party of the South, segregation, Jim Crow.	After the Civil War, through Reconstruction. Over time, Democrats’ white supremacist wing dominates Southern states, disenfranchisement, etc. GOP holds federal power and (for some decades) civil rights legislation (13th, 14th, 15th Amendments).	Clear divide: Republicans (in theory) more supportive of Black civil rights; Democrats (especially Southern Democrats) the obstructor.
1930s–1950s	As New Deal progresses, many Black voters shift toward Democrats because of economic relief, though segregationists remain in the Democratic Party.	Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies draw Black voters, despite segregationist Democrats. Truman desegregates the military. Supreme Court decisions (Brown v. Board, etc.). Democrats begin to include civil rights more explicitly.	Democrats begin to be seen (especially in the North) as the party more friendly to Black Americans, civil rights; Republicans more conservative, especially in the South. But still mixed.
1960s	Massive shift. Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965) passed under Democratic leadership. Southern Democrats (Dixiecrats) opposed. Republicans begin to craft “Southern Strategy.” (Wikipedia)	1964–68: Key moments: Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, LBJ signs; backlash from white Southern Democrats; many move over time toward Republican Party. Nixon’s campaigns work to appeal to white social conservatives. (Wikipedia)	Over decades, GOP becomes more socially conservative, more aligned with states’ rights arguments, law-and-order rhetoric. Democrats more associated with civil rights, welfare, social justice policies.
1970s–2000s	The realignment continues: Republican gains in the South, more polarization along race, public policy, identity.	Reagan era: cultural conservatism, “family values,” opposition to affirmative action; GOP increasingly appealing to white voters concerned about desegregation, civil rights, Supreme Court rulings. Democrats increasingly liberal on race issues, affirmative action, DEI, social policy.	GOP consolidates a base of social conservatives, many white, skeptical of progressive race policies. Democrats largely embrace (or accept) race-conscious policies, DEI, civil rights enforcement.
2010s – Trump’s First Term	GOP increasingly populist; embrace of nationalist ideals; skepticism toward multiculturalism, progressive race policies; growing divides over “woke culture,” DEI, immigration.	Trump’s rhetoric: anti-immigration, “law and order,” critiques of DEI, anti “political correctness.” Courts shift; Supreme Court decisions narrow affirmative action; battles over teaching race history, critical race theory, etc.	The GOP becomes more openly hostile to many of the progressive race policies. The rhetoric shifts to “equality under the law” or “merit,” but many see it as rejecting any structural remedies.
2025 / Trump Second Term	GOP in power with full control of executive branch; pushing rollback of many civil rights / diversity programs. Increased criticism from Black community over material outcomes.	Executive orders and policies to dismantle DEI offices; rescinding affirmative action rules; other regulatory rollbacks. Economic policies that critics say disproportionately hurt low income, often Black, households. Rhetoric around race used in messaging (attacking DEI, labeling institutional equity as “discrimination,” etc.). Examples: revoking Executive Order 11246, etc. (Wikipedia)	The GOP now in many ways mirrors what critics say old Democrats did: rejecting institutional efforts to protect or uplift historically marginalized groups; emphasizing individual responsibility, law & order, safety, and “merit” over group outcomes; minimizing government social safety nets. In effect, rejecting “progressive” race equity measures.

Examples & Criticisms from Republican Actions, 2025 & Recently

Here are recent (2025) policies/actions + rhetoric that critics say are harmful / neglectful / even discriminatory toward African-Americans and minorities:

1. DEI Rollback
• Trump administration orders all federal DEI programs terminated; DEI offices shut down. (Reuters)
• Executive Order 11246 (which required affirmative action in federal contracting) rescinded. This removes accountability for diversity in federal work contracts. (Wikipedia)
2. Affirmative Action / Education & Universities
• The GOP position (supported by court decisions) limiting affirmative action. Critics say this undermines opportunities for minorities in higher education. (Los Angeles Times)
3. Economic Policies
• “Triple threat” agenda: tax cuts favoring wealthy (mostly white households), cuts or stricter requirements for food assistance and health coverage for low/moderate income people (many of whom are Black). (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
• Tariffs or trade policies that may raise costs of goods, making life harder for lower income households. Black‐owned businesses are more vulnerable. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
4.  Rhetoric & Symbolic Actions
• Criticism of DEI programs as “divisive,” “anti‐merit,” etc., using incidents (like a plane collision) to blame DEI for incompetence. (The Washington Post)
• Efforts to “erase contributions” of Black historical figures; narratives that downplay systemic racism. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
5. Outcomes that Critics Point to
• Black unemployment rising; Black homeownership & median income declining under the policies of 2025. (AP News)
• Increased skepticism among Black voters that promises made during campaigns are fulfilled. (The Washington Post)

Putting It All Together: “Both Parties in Cahoots”?

• The Democratic Party has long taken on civil rights, DEI, affirmative action, etc., as part of its platform. Critics argue that in many majority‐Black cities, Democratic control has not led to the promised improvement in poverty, incarceration, family structure, etc.
• Now, the Republican Party, especially under Trump’s second term and recent actions, is pushing back against many of those same policies (DEI, affirmative action, etc.), claiming they can’t fix outcomes by identity‐based programs, pushing instead for “merit,” for cutting back welfare or safety nets, etc.
• So, the accusation is: both parties contribute (in different ways) to the system that constrains Black people — one by holding the promise but failing to deliver (Democrats), and the other by actively dismantling or opposing the structural support (Republicans), all while using rhetoric about freedom, law and order, merit, or “reverse discrimination”.

CHRISTOPHER LOVELL SEYMORE: A VISIONARY AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADER SHAPING THE FUTURE

JOIN OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TODAY 

 

Pioneering Positive Change from Within. 

In the dynamic landscape of American leadership, I have emerged as a passionate force committed to reshaping the destiny of the African-American community and our nation. My journey is not just political; it's deeply personal, fueled by a mission to bring about equity, justice, and transformative change.

African-American Self-Reparations Think Tank:

At the core of my transformative initiatives lies the African-American Self-Reparations Think Tank – an institution dedicated to systematically addressing historical injustices. This think tank is the intellectual engine propelling my vision for empowering African Americans economically, educationally, and culturally.

https://aasrtislcorps.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-treaty-cabinet-funding-us.html?m=1