Leading Black Conservatives Have Had Enough of Candace Owens and Republicans' Passive Attitude Towards Racial Rhetoric

Being Black, female, Christian, and Conservative is probably one of the most controversial identities in America today.

For decades, Black Conservatives have struggled with trying to find our place at the political table to discuss issues we find important.

We are often rejected by our friends and family members because we don't ascribe to the collective thought of being Black and Democrat.

And at times, we are ostracized by those on the Right for causing "division" among the base when we want to tackle social issues that must be addressed.

Many Black Conservatives, by and large, no longer fit within either side of the political spectrum, and it's not hard to see why.

I argue that not only is this type of "displacement" harmful to the conservative base, but it will dramatically alter the way in which some Americans vote for future candidates.

If Conservatives and Believers want to see more candidates in office who represent our values, then Conservatives must take a hard look at what we are doing wrong.

What does it mean to be Conservative today?

This is the question I asked my wonderful audience on Facebook the other day.

I wanted to know how they identified conservative values, because from what I've witnessed over the last several months, our actions as a whole clearly do not reflect the values we claim to profess.

Growing up, I had a clear understanding of such values. I understood conservatism to be about traditional family values, limited government, the free market, economic independence, and a genuine love for God and for country.

I understood conservative values to be those that best align with godly, moral values--principles that supported loving others, doing unto others what we want done to us, Christian, Bible-based values.

And whenever a political candidate, typically a Republican one, espoused these views, it was up to Believers like me to vote that person into office.

This was my upbringing, and one I still hold fast to, because I believe strongly that we should elect officials who will stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

But over the last few months, I've called into question what it truly means to be conservative.

Is conservatism truly synonymous with Christianity? Or is this just a tactic used by political pundits to get Christians to vote Republican?

Is conservatism truly about the best interest of the people? Or is it another ploy used to control a portion of the masses?

These are legitimate questions I and other Conservatives have, and without these answers, Conservatives like myself can never hope to reach certain communities with our messages.

Candace Owens: Goddess to the Black Conservative Movement

There used to be a time when the people placed individuals at the forefront who expressed strong  leadership skills that would uplift others.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for example, was selected as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement because of his intellect, his spiritual rectitude, and his devotion to Black Americans.

But today, we see a shift away from such leaders. It's as if there are no standards by which people can assume a place of prominence among our own.

Leaders today, especially of "conservative, Christian movements," can be cruel to people, threatening to folks, and completely foul in their treatment of others who disagree with them.

These same leaders can lie on folks, malign people's character, and steal from those who are doing incredible work in our communities.

Such tactics would be considered reprehensible if anyone on the Left did it.

But because such individuals are "fighting for our conservative cause," we give them a pass and elevate them higher!

Back in 2017, I first came across Candace Owens on a FOX News airing, and I thought the woman was pure fire.

She had a strong, appealing presence and spoke of our conservative message in such a way that commanded attention.

I loved Candace Owens, and I still love her, despite the criticism I have for her.

But in October 2018, I realized that my allegiance to her was misplaced.

On the day she launched her version of the Blexit Movement, I was a bit surprised by it, because the conservative movement had taken on this new form of identity politics, which conservatives--for the most part--reject.

But I stuck with her nonetheless.

I promoted her movement to my Facebook audience of about 10,000 followers. I told people we should support this because, after all, it was Candace Owens.

And had I not done a bit of research into the Blexit topic a bit more, I would still be promoting it as something purely her own.

When I realized Blexit had been a stolen movement and organization from an established black-owned business down in Minnesota, I was baffled.

When I realized Candace Owens already knew that Blexit existed, and yet promoted herself as the founder of it, I was livid.

When I realized Owens had literally stolen the intellectual property of the original Blexit, including its name, its brand, and its logo, I was pissed off!

Why? Because Owens had done harm to a community of Black Americans who were--and are--doing exceptional work directly in our neighborhoods.

I was angry because the conservative movement that I have come to love dearly was being used to harm the people we claim we want to reach...all in the name of "helping" Black people.

So, I told my audience, "FKMinistries will no longer support Candace Owens, but you are free to follow whomever you want."

The Backlash

Conservatives claim to be the champion of free thinking.

But some only appreciate our "free thinking" when we think exactly like them.

When I made the choice to distance myself from Owens, so many of my following lost their minds.

They were livid with me...but not with Owens and her actions!

They didn't care about her theft.

They didn't care about how her actions affected the original Blexit founder.

Some made insensitive comments, claiming the original Founder and her work were unimportant.

You see, to these Conservatives, Owens' actions were justified because she was "leading Black people off the Democrat plantation."

In other words, it's OK for Conservative Leaders to use "leftist" tactics as long as those leaders get more Republican votes.

These Conservatives didn't care a lick about the legal impact Owen's infringement had on the original Founder and her amazing work.

And this baffled me!

For a few days, I entertained my critics as much as possible; and before long, people realized I wasn't going to budge in my statement to disassociate myself from Owens.

The virtual ministry moved forward, and over time, more people became privy to Owens' behavior.

I love flawed leaders who are humble

After expressing separation from Owens, I made a statement in one of my videos that my hope was that she would make things right, that she would do the right thing and apologize for the mishap.

I wanted so desperately to continue supporting her, because she quickly became the face (and to some people, the goddess) of the Black Conservative Movement.

But she didn't. In fact, she rallied a number of Black Conservative Male Influencers to stand by her and to promote her Blexit.

These same Influencers, who began their platform by speaking about morality, godliness, and the lies of the Left were suddenly speaking a message that she wanted.

It was as if these conservative leaders abandoned their moral integrity; and anyone who spoke about this was treated with contempt. (I would let you read some of the comments from those who were verbally attacked by Owens and her team, but they want to remain anonymous.)

Personally, I have the utmost respect for flawed leaders who display humility when necessary.

I love such leaders, because they apologize when they've done wrong or have hurt others.

I love that, because it means they have a level of personal integrity that I can respect.

But this isn't so with Candace Owens.

She admits no wrong.

She gets the backing from well-known Black Conservative Influencers.

And she continues to be the face of Black Conservatism, a movement that is supposed to uplift Black Americans, a movement that is supposed to be grounded in Christian values.

What happened to our sense of compassion, our commitment to integrity, and our willingness to be leaders who set strong examples for others to follow?

Is this what conservatism has become? Because if so, I want nothing to do with it anymore.

"Felecia, you're being jealous and unforgiving."

I can't tell you the number of times I've been told this by the same people who have called my prophetic warnings and teachings accurate, yet resort to such low standards of me simply because I spoke against Candace Owens' actions.

You see, as long as I deliver a message that appeals to them (like the Left is pure evil while the Right is God's chosen), then Conservatives love me.

But when I see that our side has made a great error, and I call that out, I am considered a "wolf in sheep's clothing," a RINO, a jealous woman who "was never Conservative to begin with."

I am told that I am unforgiving or that I should never say anything wrong about Owens because "she is being used by God."

Forget all the cruel things she says and does to people. All that matters to some of these Christian Conservatives is that Owens is leading Black people away from the plantation.

Let me reiterate this point: I love flawed leaders who exercise humility.

I love people who are flawed and recognize their need for a Savior, a Healer, a Deliverer.

I love such individuals because they display a leadership trait that most folks do not value: humility.

For me, the greatest leaders are those who have made the worst mistakes, repented of them, made things right with the Lord, and then came back with an anointing stronger than ever.

This is one of the reasons why prison ministry is so important to me: because some of the greatest minds and most influential people will be the ones who have been forgiven of much.

But what do we do with leaders who neither acknowledge the error of their ways? What do we do with those who believe they can trample over people with little to no regard to the moral standards we claim to hold as Conservatives?

I will tell you what some Conservatives demand of us: They will say, "Fall in line and stop causing division."

This is what some people have done to individuals like Senator Tim Scott, who, just weeks ago, called out Representative Steve King for making a passively racist remark about the positive nature of white nationalism and white supremacy.

Scott was also attacked by some Conservatives for rejecting the appointment of Thomas Farr as a federal judge because of Farr's record on racial issues.

Scott, like me and other Black Conservatives, was accused of causing division in the base for his strong stand against the racist ideologies that are present among some Conservative politicians.

You see, for the base, as long as Black Conservatives point out all the blatant racism of the Left and the Democrats, we are loved.

But the second we point to the passive (and sometimes overtly) rhetoric and actions of those on the Right, we are accused of partaking in leftist smear campaigns.

"But if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, OK, fine."- Candace Owens

Recently, Candace Owens crossed the line once again.

In England, during the launch of Turning Point UK, Owens made a remark about her interpretation of nationalism.

Whenever we say nationalism, the first thing people think about, at least in America, is Hitler. He was a national socialist. But if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, OK, fine. The problem is that he wanted, he had dreams outside of Germany. He wanted to globalize...To me, that's not nationalism."

Let me be clear that any reference to Hitler in any seemingly passive (or positive) way should give cause to anyone listening to such rhetoric.

But let me also add that Candace Owens is not stupid.

She is very smart and savvy.

She is attractive and appealing.

She is a master salesman and marketer.

She knows the power of words and she uses them to get people to do what she wants, no matter what.

And when she made such comments to an all-white audience, she knew she was addressing some people who have a passive (almost nostalgic) ideal of Hitler.

Owens would never make such a speech to a body of Jews or homosexuals or Black Americans.

She would never dare to make such a ridiculous statement to people who know first-hand the horrors of racial animosity.

But she knew she could make such remarks to a particular audience who are and have been frustrated with the influx of "different kinds of people" within their country.

What's worse is that she got a pass for her statement, because she's a Black woman espousing these views.

Again, Owens is not an idiot.

She is a sharp sales woman and marketer; and she has come to represent what it means to be a Black Conservative to a mainstream audience.

This posses a significant problem to those of us trying to prove to others that Conservatives are not racist and are not sympathetic to racist ideology.

Pandering to White Nationalists and White Supremacist is the Downfall of the Republican Party. When Will Conservatives Call This Out?

The challenge of being a Christian and Conservative, a mouthpiece and a daughter of God, is that I am often asked to deliver a message that will not always sit well with my audience.

I am often compelled to challenge us to consider our ways.

I am often put in uncomfortable positions to where I must draw a line in the sand and ask, "Are we going to do things the Lord's way or not?"

This presents a challenge to me because I am dealing with a group of people who strongly believe all Republicans are on God's side and all Democrats are the devil.

Lately, I've been conducting teachings that asked Believers to consider whether they would vote for a candidate who holds conservative views, is a strong Believer, and a Spirit-led individual; yet for the sake of winning an election, will run on a Democratic platform.

Surprisingly, nearly 58% of the Believers I polled said no, they would not vote for such a candidate simply because he/she ran on a Democrat platform.

I then asked, "If God can use Donald Trump, who was a Democrat just seconds before running for office, why can't God use someone else who is a Democrat just so that person can win and execute His will in this nation?"

Now, I personally have no idea why such questions and teachings have arose; but I can tell you that the Lord is confounding our own earthly wisdom so that we come to a place where we are looking to Him for total guidance.

God is far more concerned with our treatment for one another--especially within the Body of Christ--than He is about our outward expressions of worship.

Abba is very concerned because we have replaced our love for one another in exchange for party affiliations that neither save nor deliver.

He is looking to His Child--the Bride of Christ--to call evil what He calls evil, to defend the helpless, and to cry aloud when injustices are present in the land.

He has not given us permission to be selective in which injustices we will call out, especially when they are based on party affiliations.

In other words, He didn't tell Christians to call out the atrocities of abortion on the Left while simultaneously ignoring the racist ideologies of those on the Right. (Naturally, this doesn't mean that all Democrats support abortion or that all Republicans are racist. I am simply making a point.)

He didn't give us permission to point out the speck in the Left's eye while ignoring the huge beam in ours.

He gave us a set of standards, principles, and guidelines to follow for the purpose of establishing powerful relationships with people.

Why?

Because He values how we treat one another above anything else. Our obedience to His ways is what will make the difference in our nation.

And if we sin, He has given us a pathway of repentance that calls for forgiveness and healing.

This is what Christian Conservatives ought to promote and live by.

Not this secular ideology that assumes we can be cruel to others, mistreat others, and lie on others as long as we continue to be Trump supporters.

That kind of logic is for the birds, and I want nothing to do with it.

Black Conservatives are done with passive racism on the Right, but how will this affect Donald Trump's presidency in 2020?

In 2016, I made a public declaration that I was in support of Donald Trump.

I had watched as mainstream media demolished his image by readily referring to him as a racist man.

I had seen his willingness to take on the establishment for the betterment of Americans.

I had come to love his devotion to this country and to conservatives who felt like our rights were being threatened by Democratic policies.

But since his overwhelming support for people like Candace Owens, I've come to question his judgment with those surrounding him. I have no doubt that God can and will continue to use him if he remains humble before the Lord.

Yet, if he continues to promote individuals like Owens, I admit that I may refrain from advocating for him if he is not willing to crush the passive racist rhetoric that comes from the conservative base.

Let me reiterate here: I love President Trump in the same way I love people.

But if he's unwilling to denounce such talk, I cannot--in good faith--bring his movement and message to our communities, which the conservative base claims it wants to help.

I will say what I have been preaching for weeks now: I will stand by a Believer who espouses conservative values (like the right to life for the unborn), whether that person is a Democrat or a Republican.

I am not beholden to anyone or any party, and I vote based on my conservative conscience.

I am personally concerned with policies that work for our most marginalized communities, not just now by decades from now.

While I strongly believe the Democratic party holds a political monopoly on Black voters, and that this stronghold should be broken, I am not willing to preach a message that manipulates people to leave one "political plantation" for another.

I am Independent in my politics.

I am a Believer.

I am an American who values people, whether I agree with folks or not.

I believe in integrity.

I believe in treating others as I want to be treated.

I believe in spiritual values that include caring for the weak, defending the helpless, and standing for justice.

I believe in the Holy Spirit and our need to be dependent on Him throughout this movement.

I believe in supporting people who have a true heart for others, not selfish folks who care for no one.

To some, these ideals may seem too far-fetched.

But these are the conservative, Christian values I was raised in.

Yet today, this entire conservative movement has taken on a different face, one that I will no longer support unless true Believers are willing to take a stand.

As of today, and in 2020, President Trump, just like the other candidates, will have to earn my vote. This is the same message I will teach and preach to our communities.

Not only am I looking for him to continue implementing policies that work in the best interest of our nation, but I am looking to see whether he (and other Republicans) will openly denounce the passive racism found among its Party members.

I will not tell them to vote Republican just because.

I will work to make the political discourse equitable and fair, presenting facts and data from both sides and giving people the opportunity to make wise decisions based on their spiritual convictions.

I am not beholden to anyone's message except that which the Holy Spirit gives to me.

And when my time is done, when I have completed this mission and assignment, I will step aside to make way for God's "Mordecai-s" to assume their rightful positions.

I am Kingdom-minded. I do what I see the Holy Spirit do. I speak what He tells me to speak. And I invite others to walk in a similar--if not greater--relationship with Him so that they are never led astray.

I realize this post and my future commentary will be a turnoff to many within my audience; but I am confident that it will show other people that there are conservatives who will not stand for the passive racism that currently circulates among our base.

Either we are on the Lord's side or we are not.

Either we believe in truth and justice or we don't.

We can't call out the sins of the Left and speak nothing of the errors on the Right.

Either we are going to do things God's way or we won't.

The choice is up to us.

Whose side will you be on?

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