Black Pastor Lorenzo Sewell Decries Identity Politics, Says Democrats Have "Hijacked" Black Voters

Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of Detroit claims that the Democratic Party has "hijacked" Black voters and that identity politics is hindering the community's progress. He made these remarks following his speech at the Republican National Convention, where he expressed support for former President Donald Trump.

Detroit-based Pastor Lorenzo Sewell has sparked controversy by criticizing identity politics and accusing the Democratic Party of exploiting Black voters. In an interview with ABC 7, Sewell said that the focus on identity has become a detriment to the community.

Black Pastor Lorenzo Sewell Decries Identity Politics, Says Democrats Have "Hijacked" Black Voters

"It would be amazing to have the first Black woman president, I think that would be cool," said Sewell. "But we need to stop playing identify politics as well."

Sewell, who spoke at the Republican National Convention last week, highlighted the power of Black women but expressed concern that allegiances based solely on race could be misguided. He revealed that people have pressured him to support Kamala Harris solely because she is Black, a sentiment that does not resonate with him.

Black Pastor Lorenzo Sewell Decries Identity Politics, Says Democrats Have "Hijacked" Black Voters

Sewell has not publicly endorsed any candidate for the 2024 presidential election and claims that he was not intentionally involved in the Trump campaign. However, he hosted former President Trump at his church in June and spoke at the RNC.

According to Sewell, the Black community has suffered under Democratic leadership.

Black Pastor Lorenzo Sewell Decries Identity Politics, Says Democrats Have "Hijacked" Black Voters

"When we look at our community, we see clearly that our community is hurting and it's been under Democratic leadership," said Sewell.

He acknowledged that he is not blaming Democrats for all problems but emphasized the need for a conversation with the Republican Party.

Black Pastor Lorenzo Sewell Decries Identity Politics, Says Democrats Have "Hijacked" Black Voters

Sewell's comments align with a growing number of Black men who are shifting their support towards the GOP. Tayson Stewart, a 27-year-old from Detroit, believes that Trump understands the needs of Black voters.

"He looks like he's trying to help us," said Stewart. "He looks like he knows what he’s talking about."

However, not all Black voters share this sentiment. Leon Crosby, a 57-year-old from Detroit, expressed fear and concern about Trump's potential presidency.

"I'd be terrified as an African American," said Crosby.

Recent polls show Trump and Harris neck-and-neck in support among registered voters. Harris locked up her party's nomination after securing the backing of a majority of delegates, while Trump was formally nominated at the Republican National Convention.

Sewell's remarks come amidst scrutiny of Harris's qualifications for the presidency. Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett dismissed Harris as a "DEI hire," suggesting that her selection as vice president was solely based on her race and gender.

While some in the GOP urge the Trump campaign to focus on criticizing Harris's policies, Pastor Sewell's comments highlight the complex dynamics of race, politics, and the future of Black voters in the United States.