By Chandler Rankin, Jan 10, 2015 

I am a senior at St. Francis DeSales Highschool in Columbus, Ohio. It is with great concern that I write to you this evening about not only the future of our country, but also about the future of the relationship between African Americans and the Republican Party.

Turning 18 this year and being a senior, I have done an extensive amount of research and put a lot of effort into forming my political ideology. Growing up as an African American in the suburbs, I have always considered myself to be somewhat of an outsider, as I have gained a very interesting perspective due to a privileged life combined with elements of black culture.

My parents have worked tirelessly to provide an outstanding life for me and my three younger siblings, and for that I can not thank them enough. They have instilled in me the principles of personal responsibility, accountability, and determination, which has paid dividends in my life thus far.

After studying politics since about the beginning of summer 2015, I have come to the realization that I have conservative views, despite my parents' beliefs. When looking at American history, the Republican Party has been an advocate for freeing the slaves, civil rights, and many of the brightest and most achieved African Americans have stood by the Republican Party in the past and especially today.

The liberal claim to fame is that they support minorities, and their disguise for this support is government assistance, federal programs, etc. But, as many conservative leaders know, the Democratic Party has not supported African Americans dating back to the post civil war era.

Democratic leadership realizes that in order to keep their power, they must have control of the African American electorate, therefore appealing to them with government assistance, republican racism slander, and many other strategies. Before democrats introduced welfare, 80% of African American children grew up in two parent homes. In the year 2015, a mere 28% of African American children grew up in two parent homes.

If Democrats really support the black community like they claim to, why do they choose not to stand up for the hate that black conservatives receive? The Democratic Party has not changed one bit in that it wants control and power, and it realizes that if you destabilize black homes, inner cities, and their schools, that keeps African Americans unaware and uninformed, and this will undoubtedly result in continued support for their party from this group of people.

Here is where the disconnect between blacks and republicans lies.

Having an outstanding family, growing up in a great neighborhood, and receiving a solid education, I realize what is going on in America. My parents have worked hard to ensure they provide a childhood for me that was better than theirs, and it has allowed me to clearly see the problems we face today.

I, along with the help of republican leadership would like to TRULY make a difference for the African American community and help to mend the relationship between blacks and that Grand Old Party.

I have never shared my political views with anyone, let alone the Republican National Committee. It is time to take a stand, and I am willing to go to bat for what I believe despite all of the hatred and criticism I know I may receive.

I believe I am specially qualified and equipped with the skill set to shed light on my African American companions, and offer a new perspective to them for this upcoming election and for years to come. At some point, republicans have to make an effort to appeal to African Americans, and they need African American leaders to help get across to this population.

I am ready to lead, I am ready to debate, I am ready to fight.

Republican leadership knows that many efforts of outreach must be made to the African American community, and I am ready to work. I am a young, educated, African American man, and I am the future of the Republican Party.

I welcome and urge any republican leader to reach out to me for assistance.

Sincerely,

Chandler Rankin