The Republican National Committee hosted it’s third annual Black Republican Trailblazer Awards luncheon at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., Wednesday.
The event honored this year’s “trailblazers,” which include Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah) and Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tex.).
Moreover, the luncheon also recognized the late Sen. Edward Brooke III (R-Mass.), who was the first African American elected to the Senate. Brooke died in January of this year at the age of 95.
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus commended the elected officials for their work, declaring that, “thanks to our honorees today, the black community now has more representation among Republicans in Congress.”
He insisted that his goal as chairman of the RNC is to help continue to make the Republican party as “inclusive” as possible.
“My commitment to you as chairman is to continue building a bigger, stronger, more inclusive Republican party,” declared Priebus. “Not because it’s good for our party, but because it’s good for our country.”
Love, who became the first black Republican woman elected to Congress in the November midterm election, accepted her award and spoke of the responsibility of those in Congress like herself to “preserv[e] American exceptionalism” and “leave the country better than we found it.”
The congresswoman emphasized the need for Americans to remove themselves from the “slavery that comes from being dependent on people in power.”
“People who are independent are the ones that make the difference,” Love affirmed.
Like Love, Scott made history in the midterm election when he became the first black senator from either party elected in the South since Reconstruction.
Scott also spoke in acceptance of his prize and commended the trailblazers that have come before him and paved the way for individuals like himself, Love and Hurd to ascend to the positions they command today.
“I feel like my trail is about three feet long,” the senator admitted, stressing the incredible work done by past black leaders.
Hurd, who in November became the first black Republican elected to Congress from Texas since Reconstruction, also expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson also spoke at the event, comparing building a strong coalition of Republican lawmakers to drafting a successful team of football players.
“We’re in the win business both as individuals and as a whole,” said Johnson, who has been an outspoken and enthusiastic member of the Republican party.
The event was hosted by journalist Roland Martin and political commentator Tara Setmayer.
