Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is a Generational Talent
Raynard Jackson
In sports, we describe people like N.B.A. great Michael Jordan as a generational talent; meaning their skill set is so great that they will dominate their profession and have a lasting legacy that will transcend many generations.
As I reflect on my personal interactions with Virginia’s new governor, Glenn Youngkin, I view him as a generational political talent. Yes, I know it is early in the season, but the potential is definitely there for everyone to see.
Youngkin is new to politics and in many ways
is a blank figure politically. When assessing someone, you must look at what they have done, as well as what their raw skill set indicates they can do.
No one thought Michael Jordan would turn out to be as great as he was. Everyone knew he had special talents, but no one could have ever predicted how great he would turn out to be.
Younkin has no political past to evaluate, but you can project his future by judging his person. He has an uncanny ability to disarm even his enemies and to draw in his supporters.
I am reminded of the Apostle Paul from the book of Acts in the Bible. Paul was brought before King Agrippa to answer the charge that he was teaching against the law of Moses. Paul’s refutation of the charges brought against him was so power that King Agrippa responded by saying in Acts 26:28: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
In a similar manner, Youngkin can usher in an era of increased support from the Black community both in Virginia and across the country.
Gov. Youngkin, I beseech thee by the mercies of God, please, please, PLEASE don’t do what most Republicans do. In reaching out to the Black community they tend to run to the most radical Democrat elements in the Black community; the local N.A.A.C.P. the local Urban League, etc.
Before you reach out, please first reach in!!!
There are a lot of Black Republicans who have been totally disengaged, including me, from state politics because the party has shown absolutely no interest in having “substantive” engagement with the Black community. And remember, engaging with Blacks is not the same as engaging with the “right” Blacks.
The first thing that must be done is to engage with Black Republican business owners. We have Black entrepreneurs here in Virginia who are doing millions and millions of dollars of business but see absolutely no value in interacting with Republicans, even though they might vote for Republican candidates; they feel that their input into policy is not welcomed.
Youngkin is the closest person I have seen to my good friend, former Congressman Jack Kemp.
Kemp was a former N.F.L. quarterback, former U.S. Congressman, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development for former president George H.W. Bush. He was the Abraham Lincoln of our day. Unfortunately, he died thirteen years ago.
No one has even come close to Jack Kemp, until Youngkin came along.
Kemp, as a white, conservative Republican, was able to bridge political and racial gaps like no other person in recent history. Google him if you want to find out more about this American hero.
I am very critical of our party nationally because they have yet to show any interest in engaging with the Black community in any meaningful way.
They showcase Blacks who are nothing more than a modern-day minstrel show. They showcase Blacks who have absolutely no connection to the Black community.
Former British Prime minister Winston Churchill once stated, “To every man there comes a time in his life when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and mighty thing; unique to him and fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the moment that could be his finest hour.”
In today’s politically charged and racially polarized times, Youngkin has been tapped on the shoulder and given the opportunity to lead the people of Virginia for four years. I think he will be found very prepared and quite qualified for this moment that could and will be his finest hour.
There is something special about Virginia’s Republican first ladies. George Allen and Jim Gilmore’s wives, Susan and Roxanne, respectively were great first ladies while in office and long after leaving office. They are still making a difference in the lives of Virginians.
I expect nothing less from our current first lady, Suzanne. She is such a sincere, engaging and delightful person. Look for her to do some unique things as our first lady.
In politics, personnel is policy. By this standard, Youngkin is off to a good start. He has three Blacks in his cabinet of thirteen (23%). Kay Cole James, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Craig Crenshaw, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and Angela Sailor, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
I hope Governor Youngkin will take advantage of James’ institutional knowledge of Virginia’s history, the good and the bad; but also take advantage of her political brilliance.
She is a living legend and a Civil Rights icon. Not only can she keep your administration out of trouble; she can prevent your administration from ever getting into trouble.
When I first met Youngkin last summer he bounced into the room full of energy and optimism about life and his campaign. It is literally impossible to be around him and be sad; I don’t care how bad your day is going.
His default position is always how do we solve this problem and how do we bring people together?
Youngkin can and I hope will be the Nicolas Dreystadt of the Republican Party. Who is Nicolas Dreystadt, you might be asking? Dreystadt was a General Motors executive who saved Cadillac automobile from going out of business during World War II. He used the Black community to save Cadillac and Blacks are the reason it retains its iconic brand to this day .
I wrote a column about this issue ten years ago. Click on this link to read it.
So, the next time you see Gov. Glenn Youngkin, just call him Nick!!!
[Raynard Jackson is a Pulitzer Award nominated columnist and founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF), a federally registered 527 Super PAC established to get more Blacks involved in the Republican Party. BAFBF focuses on the Black entrepreneur. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org. You can follow Raynard on Twitter; RealRaynardJ.]
In sports, we describe people like N.B.A. great Michael Jordan as a generational talent; meaning their skill set is so great that they will dominate their profession and have a lasting legacy that will transcend many generations.
As I reflect on my personal interactions with Virginia’s new governor, Glenn Youngkin, I view him as a generational political talent. Yes, I know it is early in the season, but the potential is definitely there for everyone to see.
Youngkin is new to politics and in many ways
is a blank figure politically. When assessing someone, you must look at what they have done, as well as what their raw skill set indicates they can do.
No one thought Michael Jordan would turn out to be as great as he was. Everyone knew he had special talents, but no one could have ever predicted how great he would turn out to be.
Younkin has no political past to evaluate, but you can project his future by judging his person. He has an uncanny ability to disarm even his enemies and to draw in his supporters.
I am reminded of the Apostle Paul from the book of Acts in the Bible. Paul was brought before King Agrippa to answer the charge that he was teaching against the law of Moses. Paul’s refutation of the charges brought against him was so power that King Agrippa responded by saying in Acts 26:28: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
In a similar manner, Youngkin can usher in an era of increased support from the Black community both in Virginia and across the country.
Gov. Youngkin, I beseech thee by the mercies of God, please, please, PLEASE don’t do what most Republicans do. In reaching out to the Black community they tend to run to the most radical Democrat elements in the Black community; the local N.A.A.C.P. the local Urban League, etc.
Before you reach out, please first reach in!!!
There are a lot of Black Republicans who have been totally disengaged, including me, from state politics because the party has shown absolutely no interest in having “substantive” engagement with the Black community. And remember, engaging with Blacks is not the same as engaging with the “right” Blacks.
The first thing that must be done is to engage with Black Republican business owners. We have Black entrepreneurs here in Virginia who are doing millions and millions of dollars of business but see absolutely no value in interacting with Republicans, even though they might vote for Republican candidates; they feel that their input into policy is not welcomed.
Youngkin is the closest person I have seen to my good friend, former Congressman Jack Kemp.
Kemp was a former N.F.L. quarterback, former U.S. Congressman, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development for former president George H.W. Bush. He was the Abraham Lincoln of our day. Unfortunately, he died thirteen years ago.
No one has even come close to Jack Kemp, until Youngkin came along.
Kemp, as a white, conservative Republican, was able to bridge political and racial gaps like no other person in recent history. Google him if you want to find out more about this American hero.
I am very critical of our party nationally because they have yet to show any interest in engaging with the Black community in any meaningful way.
They showcase Blacks who are nothing more than a modern-day minstrel show. They showcase Blacks who have absolutely no connection to the Black community.
Former British Prime minister Winston Churchill once stated, “To every man there comes a time in his life when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and mighty thing; unique to him and fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the moment that could be his finest hour.”
In today’s politically charged and racially polarized times, Youngkin has been tapped on the shoulder and given the opportunity to lead the people of Virginia for four years. I think he will be found very prepared and quite qualified for this moment that could and will be his finest hour.
There is something special about Virginia’s Republican first ladies. George Allen and Jim Gilmore’s wives, Susan and Roxanne, respectively were great first ladies while in office and long after leaving office. They are still making a difference in the lives of Virginians.
I expect nothing less from our current first lady, Suzanne. She is such a sincere, engaging and delightful person. Look for her to do some unique things as our first lady.
In politics, personnel is policy. By this standard, Youngkin is off to a good start. He has three Blacks in his cabinet of thirteen (23%). Kay Cole James, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Craig Crenshaw, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and Angela Sailor, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
I hope Governor Youngkin will take advantage of James’ institutional knowledge of Virginia’s history, the good and the bad; but also take advantage of her political brilliance.
She is a living legend and a Civil Rights icon. Not only can she keep your administration out of trouble; she can prevent your administration from ever getting into trouble.
When I first met Youngkin last summer he bounced into the room full of energy and optimism about life and his campaign. It is literally impossible to be around him and be sad; I don’t care how bad your day is going.
His default position is always how do we solve this problem and how do we bring people together?
Youngkin can and I hope will be the Nicolas Dreystadt of the Republican Party. Who is Nicolas Dreystadt, you might be asking? Dreystadt was a General Motors executive who saved Cadillac automobile from going out of business during World War II. He used the Black community to save Cadillac and Blacks are the reason it retains its iconic brand to this day .
I wrote a column about this issue ten years ago. Click on this link to read it.
So, the next time you see Gov. Glenn Youngkin, just call him Nick!!!
[Raynard Jackson is a Pulitzer Award nominated columnist and founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF), a federally registered 527 Super PAC established to get more Blacks involved in the Republican Party. BAFBF focuses on the Black entrepreneur. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org. You can follow Raynard on Twitter; RealRaynardJ.]
Posted in Opinion
Tagged with Raynard Jackson, Glenn Youngkin, Virginia, Governor, Black Republicans, Jack Kemp, Black community, politics, Kay Coles James, #freedomsjournalmagazine, Freedoms Journal Institute
Tagged with Raynard Jackson, Glenn Youngkin, Virginia, Governor, Black Republicans, Jack Kemp, Black community, politics, Kay Coles James, #freedomsjournalmagazine, Freedoms Journal Institute
Recent
Archive
2023
January
Dead People: Doubts About Reparations from a Proud MuttCartoon 12/30/22Cartoon 12/31/22Cartoon 01/01/23NBA Versus FreedomThe Death of Eternal Truths and the New PaganismCartoon 01/04/23Random New Year's ThoughtsCartoon 01/05/23Cartoon 01/06/23Cartoon 01/08/23COVID: Who Was Right?Cartoon 01/11/22Cartoon 01/09/23Cartoon 01/10/23Our Blundering, Intrusive GovernmentReining in Government Spending? Let's Get RealCartoon 01/12/23He had a DreamCartoon 01/13/23Cartoon 01/15/23Cartoon 01/17/23The Recycling ReligionRacial Reparations Solve NothingCartoon 01/18/23Black Man Dies Following His Arrest -- Examine the Media CoverageCartoon 01/19/23Cartoon 01/20/23Cartoon 01/22/23Cartoon 01/23/23Cartoon 01/24/23Cartoon 01/25/23Population PanicCartoon 01/26/23Obama Warns About the 'Raw Sewage' of Disinformation -- Ignores Democrats' Own GarbageWhite Privilege or Black Fathers - Part 1Cartoon 01/27/23Who's More Irrational -- The Religious or the Irreligious?Freedom’s Journal Institute is Preserving and Proclaiming Black Conservative ValuesCartoon 01/29/23Cartoon 01/30/23
2022
January
Cartoon 01/03/22Cartoon 01/04/22Can Peace Come to the Hood?Moving ForwardThe Democrats' Exploitation of January 6 Gives Away Their GameCartoon 01/05/22Harry Reid, Death of a 'Statesman'? Cue the LaughterCartoon 01/06/22The Biggest Drug Dealers in the Black Community.Cartoon 01/07/22Manhattan's New DA Is Protecting Criminals Instead of Their VictimsLucy(ed) Again?Cartoon 01/10/22“Voter rights legislation” is a demand for government-backed systemic voter disenfranchisement!The perversion of JusticeCartoon 01/11/22The Freedom to Cheat Act: The Radical Left’s Latest Attempt to Undermine Our DemocracyMoney for IndoctrinationThe Great Re-Sorting Is HereCartoon 01/12/22Big Tech Thugs and Their AlliesCartoon 01/13/22Cartoon 01/14/22Cartoon 01/16/22The King is DeadCartoon 01/17/22Biden's Racist IronyThe Glory of God in the CosmosCartoon 01/18/22Evil FloridaThe Quest to Destroy WorkCartoon 01/19/21MLK Day: Equal Rights Versus Equal ResultsCartoon 01/20/22Cartoon 01/21/22Cartoon 01/23/22Cartoon 01/24/22Sick CityThe COVID-19 Impact of Expressive IndividualismCartoon 01/26/22Biden's Election HypocrisyCartoon 01/27/22Conservatives, If You Are Going to Talk to the Black Community, You Need to Have Something Truly Conservative to SayNo, Requiring Voter ID Is Not ‘Jim Crow 2.0’ And It’s Offensive To Say ThatCartoon 01/28/22Cartoon 01/30/22
February
Cartoon 02/01/22Black History as American HistoryInflationWhoopi Goldberg Says the Holocaust Wasn't About Targeting Jews. Here's Why That Matters.Cartoon 02/02/22Los Angeles Times Slams 'Vitriol in Politics'-- After Hiring Vitriolic ColumnistsCartoon 02/03/22Cartoon 02/04/22Cartoon 02/06/22Cartoon 02/07/22The Attack on Joe Rogan Is an Attack on DissentGroveling to ChinaCartoon 02/09/22
No Comments