• The GOP needs to be willing to make outreach a long-term effort that begins before, and lasts beyond, election years,
  
• The GOP needs to be willing to go to the mat to address concerns in minority communities and empower and support those willing to challenge the Democratic politicos in those communities, and
  
• Republicans need to understand that politics in minority communities is often about how a message is presented, and work to consider how GOP messages can be reframed to better connect with minority voters.

The way for Republicans to attract black voters is pretty simple, says Rogers: Show up and solve problems.

When he moved to Rock Hill, where he currently lives, Rogers made his home in the inner city rather than the suburbs. When a local basketball team needed money for jerseys, Rogers helped them. Thus, when this inner-city team hit the court, their jerseys said, “York County GOP.”

“People don’t care what (political affiliation) comes after your name,” says Rogers. “They just want the jersey.”

With Rogers on the hustings, Democrats have cause for concern. Among other things, he’s telling African-Americans that they have rendered themselves politically impotent by voting monolithically. “If one party can count on our vote, then they can take us for granted. Predictability is suicidal.”