Blog
The Brilliance of the Crispus Attucks Tea Party
January 20, 2011
On the evening of January 18th, I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural meeting of the Crispus Attucks Tea Party of Houston, founded by American Majority’s own Anita MonCrief and other local leaders in the city’s black community, such as Reverend Bowie and Earl Johnson. The meeting was held at “This Is It” restaurant in Sheila Jackson Lee’s district, just down the street from her residence. Humorously, the advent of a tea party organization that seeks to reach out to the voters in her community has come on the scene just as the Congresswoman has been castigated nationally for her less-than-logically-sound comments regarding the supposed unconstitutionality of repealing ObamaCare. The Congresswoman was invited to the meeting, but not surprisingly, the organization’s outreach was declined.
On the goals of this new Tea Party:
Our primary objective is to break the cycles of dependency and decay that continue to anesthetize and hold captive too many Black families and neighborhoods. We provide a continuing series of speakers, seminars, training and practical business support services designed to help Blacks fully assimilate into and be competitive in American society. Our objective is to teach all Americans the fullness of the history of Blacks in America and to help Blacks gain control of their lives and the destiny of their children. Only by understanding our full and true history will we all of America be liberated.
The Crispus Attucks Tea Party is part of America’s rapidly growing Tea Party movement. Starting with Houston’s 3rd Ward, it will focus all of the power amassed across America by the Tea Party movement directly into targeted Black neighborhoods across America. Yes !! .. Our army operates .. “Inside The Belly Of The Beast”. The Crispus Attucks Tea Party is a non-partisan, neighborhood movement. It provides a base of operations for the descendants of Black Slavery who realize that welfare checks and government dependency are key elements of their destruction. The corresponding destructive cycles have destroyed lives, families and their neighborhoods. Government dependency holds Blacks hostage. It precludes true liberty and forever blocks full assimilation. Our mission includes building series of strong neighborhood operating bases made of business people, elected officials, Constituents and Voters, living and working in “hostile areas”.
The Crispus Attucks Tea Party promotes and fights for the founding principles originally defined by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Our core principles include personal responsibility, education, a constrained and transparent government, a balanced budget, self sufficiency, full assimilation and the development of viable Black businesses …. that create jobs.
Sounds like a great starting point, doesn’t it? I was impressed with the objective (more of which can be seen here) upon first reading it – and am thoroughly convinced after having met all of the fantastic people invested in making this new group successful, that we truly can make a difference.
Regarding the meeting, I can honestly say that I can’t recall attending a more moving political gathering – and anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I frequent such events regularly; arguably too much! The crowd was truly diverse – and I mean that on a level much deeper than ethnicity. After all, the theme of the night, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, was the notion that content and character are more important than color. The truly amazing thing about the audience was the differences in people’s backgrounds and beliefs. Some of us were seasoned activists, there to show our support for the new group. On the other hand, there were also long time liberal Democrats in attendance – Third Ward residents like Marie Johnson, who was actually interviewed by Houston’s local FOX affiliate.
Of the meeting, Ms. Johnson said:
Race didn’t make any difference to me as long as I had a tea party and we get together. Frankly I’m the type of person that’s not afraid to step out of the box. I think black people need to be more concerned about what our politicians are doing for our community, where is our money going and what they are doing with it.
Additionally, there were many open-minded independent voters from various backgrounds. One of the attendees who stood out in my mind was a black man who works as a contractor. He stated to the audience that he came to the meeting because he’s concerned about the lack of business coming his way, and thinks that minority communities need to do a better job of organizing to attract more investment in their neighborhoods. A point extremely well taken – and one that Anita MonCrief eloquently explained is exactly in line with the goals of the Crispus Attucks Tea Party, as one of the organization’s missions is helping minority business owners attract capital and restore prosperity to their communities.
Speaking of Ms. MonCrief, her speech was truly the moment that brought the night full circle. She was justifiably emotional about the new Tea Party she worked extremely hard to make a reality. Nearly in tears, and bringing many members of the audience to the same point, Anita recalled her childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, describing the racially mixed neighborhood she’s from, and the fact that people where she grew up were intent on helping those in their community, regardless of ethnic background. She then went on to discuss her time with ACORN, and how she came to realize that an organization she truly thought meant well shamelessly exploited minorities for money, power and prestige.
I’ve heard Anita speak on numerous occasions, but never have I seen her so emotionally invested in her story. It’s extremely clear that through the Crispus Attucks Tea Party, she intends to do exactly what she thought she’d be able to accomplish through ACORN – educate minority communities in desperate need of substantive change, and offer compassion, guidance and locally based aid to those truly deserving of it. I’m proud to count a woman of Anita’s caliber as a colleague and friend. It takes courage to do what she’s done in a relatively short period of time. It seems that everywhere Anita goes, she manages to meet and the influence conservative leaders who have already been making a difference in their communities.
Anita’s connections speak to the other incredible leaders she helped pull into the organization. The speech made by Earl Johnson, a longtime black conservative tea party activist was truly inspiring as well. He’s a man with a powerful presence who doesn’t mince words and is far from politically correct, yet manages to have friends from across the political spectrum. The most memorable part of his talk was when he described the once prosperous black neighborhood of Sugar Hill, now known as the Third Ward. Mr. Johnson said, “Sugar Hill was the most prominent part of Houston; that is, until social justice programs were applied”. And he’s correct. You can see the remnants of that success by observing the beautiful old houses that line the outskirts of what has become a defunct, government dependent community. It’s truly tragic – but I’m optimistic that with outreach efforts, education and dedication from well-meaning activists of all backgrounds, we can help change that.
In fact, we’ve already had a taste of how powerful black conservatives have made waves here in Texas. One of the night’s speakers was newly elected Representative James White, who now resides in east Texas, but grew up in Sugar Hill. A truly inspiring man, it’s easy to tell that Rep. White is motivated by his deep convictions, and desire to make Texas a better state. He spoke from the heart about what it took to get elected in what historically, is a part of the south infamous for KKK activity. It was amazing to hear him discuss how it’s evident that a great deal of progress has been made, and that he was elected for exactly the reason MLK would have wanted. The content of his character prevailed – and that’s what brought him to victory.
As Representative White boldly said, “When you have a country to save, nothing else matters. You step out on faith”. That’s what the Crispus Attucks Tea Party is all about – and I’m honored to be a part of it.
I must ask if the tea party isn’t racist why did you find the need to include the word black in the name of the group ? Do you think this should give you special treatment by declaring that its a black tea party group ? Seems to me if you want inclusion in a movement you join the movement as a group not as a specific group . If you want to take the race out of the tea party you don’t then claim to represent any race. Do you see any other tea party group calling themselves white, Asian, Indian and so on ? And tell me what if a group wants to call themselves the white tea party what would you say ?
Apparently you didn’t read the article very well.The name of the party is The Crispus Attucks Tea Party.If I’m not mistaken,I don’t see the word black anywhere in there.If you feel the need to comment on something,please retain what you might have read.
No one is claiming to represent any race. The point is to help invigorate communities that have been taken advantage of in the past by the left. They’ve been fed talking points about how the tea parties are racist, and we feel that it’s necessary to go into these communities with an outreach initiative to show them that we’re anything but racist, and want to help them rebuild from the ground up.
Read the article and it states BLACK a few times as the tea party and really don’t you think anyone knows who Crispus Attucks is ? My point is if we are going to be inclusive no mention of race or figure should be used no matter who it is or what color of skin.
And sorry the nation saw some of those posters and the talk this past summer and before . Lets get honest here there are racist in the tea party movement .
Like i said before you don’t see any other group using the race of it to describe it do you ? What would you be thinking if a tea party called itself the Jim Crow tea party or the David Duke tea party ?
You want to change things change them and stop using words and names that separate people into groups . One other thing this constant fight of right against left is getting really old also. You cant be a movement to change the way things are going if you only want to get rid of one side when its both sides that got us here not one .That don’t make no sense .
Also i see your favorite founding father is James Madison . You do know he was a slave owner his whole life don’t you ? Tell me how does that fit in with you with what you are doing here ? Do you tell these folks this while telling them they have been wronged by the government ? How do you think that will go over in the places you want to change ?
Dody Stottlemyer
I read the article and its all about black this and black that.And really do you think no one knows who Crispus is ? Look at your own branch why didn’t you name yours after a person of the white race instead of Apple Vally ?
My whole point is if you want be inclusive you don’t come off as being for one segment or group of people or political party . All i am seeing so far is the once stand out movement becoming part of the very system you all are supposed to be fighting against. I saw this coming once i saw the millions of dollars coming in from the very people who put us in this mess. I blame both parties i don’t side with either and i will never use the color of ones skin to explain what needs to be done in any part of this great country. Thats playing the race card the very thing you all say you are trying to avoid here.
You’re right – race ISN’T important, and that’s the POINT. This Tea Party, which happens to have been founded by black conservatives and supported by others of various races, is going into communities to espouse the idea that content and character are more important than color. It’s an uphill battle spreading a message like that amidst a neighborhood that has been so accustomed to hearing the opposite for generations. We can’t expect to change hearts and minds overnight. But it certainly can’t hurt to try.
And yes – in the 18th century, slavery was an extremely unfortunate, systemic part of society. Madison did own slaves. So did Jefferson, Washington and many others. It was reprehensible and inexcusable, but it doesn’t invalidate the other good ideas they had. The brilliant thing about the Constitution they were involved in crafting is that the amendment process allows for change over time as society progresses, while sill sustaining the foundation for limited government. The 13th and 15th amendments eradicated slavery for good in this country, and the ideas espoused by people like Madison created a system that allowed for that change as society embraced it.
“You’re right – race ISN’T important, and that’s the POINT. This Tea Party, which happens to have been founded by black conservatives ”
Right there made it a issue cant you see that ? Who cares what color of skin they have if it isn’t being used by the party as a talking point. Sorry but that is the very race card i am talking about. I don’t care if they are black , white or whatever and neither should the tea party . Tell me where the white conservative tea party members meet and the white persons name they use ? Understand yet ?
I know what the intent is and why it needs to be done in the inner cities, IMO this is not the way its the same old way thats always used to single out groups of people. You cant be inclusive when you separate one member or group from another by race. You seem intelligent so don’t tell me you cant understand .
Let me end my participation here with this.
I think its wrong to use the name and to use the color of ones skin to identify any part of the Tea Party movement, and i don’t care what the reasoning is thats being attached to it. Using race to identify Americans for whatever reason is wrong and just doing the same thing that this government has been doing. Its nothing different than acting like the ones the party rally’s against.
I said my peace and thats all i can do .
People in these minority communities have been told for generations that not only does race matter, but it’s the number one factor. We have to reach people on a level they’re familiar with to transition them out of that way of thinking.
That’s really the last thing I can offer as an explanation. Feel free to disagree, but we’re out there trying to change hearts and minds, and the only way to do that is to engage people in a manner they’re comfortable with. Too much too fast, and they won’t listen at all. Almost everyone deals with change incrementally.
“we’re out there trying to change hearts and minds, and the only way to do that is to engage people in a manner they’re comfortable with. Too much too fast, and they won’t listen at all.”
So you are saying you are going to stoop to the level they are use to by playing the same race card the left did ? And you call that changing hearts and minds ? Tell me what is the difference between you guys doing it and the democrat or republican party doing it ? Thats just wrong headed thinking and racist using the same plan you say you dont like that others used.
Thats not a explanation thats repeating things over from a political prospective you agree with to justify it . Its not different .
Look you are going to do it anyway . Thats telling me that even when you get confronted with a factual reasonable argument of why you shouldn’t act like those you detest. That you all never really thought this through and are only playing politics with peoples lives, by using race and class warfare as your means. Thats no different than the lousy liberals who did the exact same thing. Hope it makes you proud .
“Corie Whalen is an American Majority Field Representative based out of Houston, Texas. Passionate about history”
That must mean you are only passionate about the history you agree with, because you sure don’t know much about the history here and not seeing you are repeating it.
That’s just silly. I do know the history of how the black community has been taken advantage of by the left, and understand that to change the minds of those who have a race centric mentality, they have to be approached on a level that makes sense to them in order for their minds to be changed.
We can disagree without you calling me ignorant.
I have presented a reasonable argument with factual points and told you my opinion . No where have i called you anything .
As i said i know it doesn’t matter anyway, what you do is on you i have no control over your actions just my own. And i wont and cant endorse what you all are doing on this one not as long as race is a part of the plan no matter what the intent is.. We cant say we don’t use race like the left if we use race to do political things for us. I am sorry i will not approve of acting like the left, and personally i believe the Tea Party Movement is better than this. What you believe is on you.
Ron, Corie
The media has been, since the Tea Party’s inception, labeling it as an ‘angry white’ or ‘violent white’ party who are anti-government, anti-Obama because he is in some eyes, black. If we are all honest, many blacks voted for him on that reason alone, not on his merit.
The blacks who have attended (so called ‘white’)Tea Party rallies, protests and so on … have been ostracized by the black community. Being called Uncle Toms, sell outs, not black enough, House Negxxes etc… (these are black Liberal labels for conservative blacks).
I am going out on a limb by saying this: They are not trying to ‘separate’ ‘segregate’ or ‘label’. Rather they are trying in their ‘own way’ to “Market” the C A Tea Party. To attract, and entice the indoctrinated, ‘fence sitting’ black population.
To be fair the ‘new’ C A Tea Party in Houston made it known they are non-partisan and ‘all are welcomed’.
If the Liberal MS Media didn’t drive such a wedge into so many things, with their totally slanted, falsehoods, the CA Tea Party or any Tea Party wouldn’t have to work so hard to attract a more ‘diverse’ membership. Its hard to attract people when the Tea Party has been labeled “white racist”. Isn’t it?
Again the ‘Media’ are the people who are “Labeling” not you, not the C A Tea Party, not me…
I wish them luck, and hopefully they will turn around a segment of the population that if we are honest, needs a lot of help -not from the government, but from the C A Tea Party who are both White and Black and every color in between…and most importantly, thrives on taking responsibility for themselves.
Ron, James Madison was Not a slave owner. He purposely chose to study law so as to be able to support himself without having to own slaves. HIs wife’s parents were Quakers, they freed their slaves under conviction that slavery was evil.
Ron.. you are judging the motives of others such as Cory. Language may be used descriptively without being condescending or prejudicial.. because you are hyper sensitive to how terms were used doesn’t mean your insinuations as to how others are using those terms, are correct.
And for the sake of this cause, please don’t bicker with like minded people ..if you have real cause for concern then communicate privately.