(AURN News) — At the Black Conservative Federation’s annual Solutions Summit, held just outside the nation’s capital in July, leaders gathered to do more than network or message. According to organizers, the focus was on gaining access — to power, to policy conversations and to solutions.
Diante Johnson, president of the Black Conservative Federation, delivered a pointed message: Black conservatives are not only present in government under President Donald Trump’s second term — they’re shaping it.
“If we’re gonna message, we also have to be at the table,” Johnson told AURN News.
During an exclusive interview with AURN News at the summit, Johnson pushed back on what he described as a common misconception — that no one in the Trump administration advocates for Black communities.
“These are folks that look like us — Black conservatives, Black supporters and Black staff that are working there, that are fighting for the Black community,” he said regarding the Trump administration.
The summit, organized independently by the Black Conservative Federation, brought together Black Republicans from across the country. Over several days, attendees connected with agency leaders and discussed federal policy impacts, particularly those affecting Black families, neighborhoods and businesses.
“We wanted to be able to transform that to solutions,” Johnson said. “That’s what this summit is all about — solutions, not just talking about the issue, not just talking about what’s happening, but creating solutions for tomorrow,” he added.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
