Black Support for Trump: Pastor Explains Surge in Trump Popularity

Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, a Detroit pastor set to speak at the Republican National Convention (RNC), shares his insights on why Black voters are increasingly gravitating toward former President Donald Trump. Despite denials from some Democrats, Sewell's observations and polling data suggest a significant shift in Black voters' preferences.

Amidst the ongoing debate over Black voters' political affiliations, Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, offers a firsthand account of the growing support for former President Donald Trump within the African American community. Scheduled to deliver a speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC), Sewell dismisses claims that the shift is insignificant, citing tangible evidence he has witnessed within his own congregation.

Black Support for Trump: Pastor Explains Surge in Trump Popularity

"When President Donald Trump came to our church last month, you could see Black people there," Sewell said. "We know the increase is happening beyond a shadow of a doubt, because in my church, I saw with my own eyes rappers, preachers, teachers, those who aren't necessarily affiliated with the church, come and listen to President Donald Trump. So, we know it's happening."

Polls corroborate Sewell's observations. A recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll revealed a notable drop in Black voters' support for Biden in swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania since the last election. Fox News polling also indicates a significant decline in Biden's lead among Black voters, from 64 points in July 2020 to 42 points today.

Black Support for Trump: Pastor Explains Surge in Trump Popularity

Sewell attributes Trump's appeal to his unconventional approach and willingness to engage with communities traditionally neglected by Republicans.

"He's not a typical politician," Sewell said. "He was willing to come to a community that most Republicans would not come to. President Donald Trump, I think him being a New Yorker, I think it serves him well, right? Him having that cultural awareness and cultural intelligence, where in cities like mine, Detroit, where it's so polarizing in terms of the Black and white vote."

Black Support for Trump: Pastor Explains Surge in Trump Popularity

Sewell highlights Trump's Platinum Plan, which aimed to provide resources for Black entrepreneurs and churches, as a key factor in his resonance with Black voters. He emphasizes that the Republican Party has a long history of Black involvement, dating back to the fight against slavery and the post-Reconstruction era.

"I would just Google the Republican Party," Sewell said. "Look at 170 years ago how patriots stood up to stop slavery. I would just Google Black Republicans, and I would look at some of the greatest leaders in our culture, in our context, people like Thomas Sowell and others that were willing to stand up, even patriots during post-Reconstruction where Black Americans were Republican."

Black Support for Trump: Pastor Explains Surge in Trump Popularity

Sewell urges Black voters to educate themselves about the Republican Party and its historical connection to the Black community. He believes that by embracing the party's principles, Black Americans can play a more active role in shaping their own future.

"It's the Democrats that have these identity politics and try to confuse Black America into thinking that Black people don't vote Republican," Sewell said. "We always have, and Donald Trump, he's bringing the Black vote back again."