As a U. S. congressman representing South Carolina, Rep. Joseph Rainey demonstrated great leadership ability, advocating for all races. He was a great defender of civil rights and loyal Republican. It has been leaders like Rainey who have kept strong the principles of the Republican Party.

In 2005 for the first time, a black congressman's portrait was put on display at the Capitol. Speaker Dennis Hastert said of Rep. Rainey, "Just as he dedicated his life to creating a color blind society, so should we dedicate this portrait in the halls of Congress to celebrate his contributions."

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' memoir, My Grandfather's Son, reveals a calm yet strong personality who has faced the worst life has to offer and still managed to remain a constructive, positive force for honesty, integrity, and success without bitterness or vengeance.

The goal of the National Black Republican Association is, "to return black Americans to their Republican Party roots by enlightening them about how Republicans fought for their freedom and civil rights, and are now fighting for their educational and economic advancement."

A basic tenet of Republican philosophy is that the strength of a nation depends on the strength of each individual. This article gives the basic philosophical stance of the Republican Party as it exists today.

In 1991, Senate Democrats tried to derail the seating of Judge Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court. In 1870, Hiram Revels, first Black Republican U. S. senator, had to endure three days of debate as Democrats tried to deny him admission to the seat to which he had been elected.