Detroit-based Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recently discussed his views on identity politics in the context of Vice President Kamala Harris's presumptive Democratic presidential nomination. Sewell believes that Democrats have used identity politics to manipulate Black voters and that the Republican Party is a more suitable option for the Black community.
Detroit-based Pastor Lorenzo Sewell made headlines when he spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he criticized identity politics and expressed support for the Republican Party. In a recent interview with ABC 7, Sewell elaborated on his views and explained why he believes the Black community should shift its allegiance away from the Democratic Party.
Sewell began by acknowledging the historical significance of Kamala Harris's potential presidency, stating that it would be "amazing to have the first Black woman president." However, he emphasized the importance of moving beyond identity politics and evaluating candidates based on their policies and qualifications.
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell: Democrats Have 'Hijacked' Black Voters
"We need to stop playing identity politics as well," Sewell said. "You don't have anything more powerful in America than a Black woman, so I understand there are allegiances there, but sometimes that can be misguided. I've had people call me this afternoon and say 'vote for Kamala Harris because she’s Black.' That doesn't resonate with me right?"
Sewell further argued that the Black community has been suffering under Democratic leadership in cities like Detroit, Pontiac, Flint, and Saginaw. He believes that the Republican Party offers a better path forward for Black voters.
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell: 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," Sewell said. "I'm not saying for the last 60 years Democrats are doing the wrong thing. What I'm saying is that when you look at our community, specifically Detroit, Pontiac, Flint, and Saginaw, we're hurting. And the Republican Party is saying 'I want to have a conversation.'"
Sewell pointed to former President Donald Trump's efforts to reach out to the Black community as evidence of the Republican Party's commitment to addressing the concerns of Black Americans. He praised Trump's economic policies and his focus on school choice.
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell: Democrats Have 'Hijacked' Black Voters
"If President Trump would've moved just a millimeter, we would not be hearing tonight how he is going to make America great again," Sewell said at the GOP convention.
While Sewell's views align with the Republican Party's platform, they have drawn criticism from some within the Black community. Some have accused him of selling out to the GOP and ignoring the long history of discrimination that Black Americans have faced at the hands of the Republican Party.
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell: Democrats Have 'Hijacked' Black Voters
"Lorenzo Sewell is a sellout," said Leon Crosby, a Detroit-based Black voter. "He's forgotten where he came from and is now kissing up to the people who have oppressed us for centuries."
However, Sewell maintains that the Black community needs to give the Republican Party a chance and that it is time for a change. He believes that the Republican Party is more aligned with the values of the Black community, such as family, faith, and freedom.
"I'm not saying that the Republican Party is perfect," Sewell said. "But I do believe that they have the best interest of the Black community at heart. I urge all Black voters to give them a chance."
The debate over identity politics and the future of the Black community is likely to continue as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Sewell's comments have sparked a discussion about the role of race and identity in American politics and the challenges and opportunities facing Black voters in the coming years.
