Howard Univeristy "Finaly" gets a Republican Club!

Grassroots in Action: an Interview with Adam Hunter

The DCRC is proud to announce that after a ten-year hiatus, Howard University once again boasts a Republican club thanks to the organizing efforts of Adam Hunter. We’d like to introduce you to Adam—and his club—because he’s reaching out to republicans one at a time by stimulating dialog on the issues.

DCRC: Adam, tell us about yourself.
AH: I’m a sophomore dual majoring in Political Science and Business. I’ve been elected to student government and serve as Director of Internal Affairs. My hometown is Somerset, New Jersey.

DCRC: What motivated you to start a Republican Club at Howard?
AH: National College Republicans came to Howard to recruit. I liked what they had to say, and they encouraged me to start a club.

DCRC: Tell us what your club has been doing.
AH: Our goal is to educate Howard students on the issues, and we do that by distributing literature on campus, holding biweekly meetings, and debating the issues with the Democratic club—all of which have been fairly covered by the campus newspaper, TV station, and radio station. One of our special events occurred last November: Republican Week, which featured a panel discussion, chapel services, an appearance by Star Parker, and a mix and mingle with Young Republicans from other local universities. Our big event this semester occurs April 17th, when we hosting a Spring Soiree to celebrate the history of African-Americans in the Republican Party.

DCRC: How many members do you have?
AH: Approximately 70, although our active core numbers between 10-15

DCRC: We understand your parents are lifelong Democratic activists and party leaders in New Jersey. Why are you a Republican?
AH: I have worked on campaigns throughout childhood and was raised to be active. It was during middle school when I first examined the issues, and I believed in the Republican positions on educational choice, school vouchers, and local control of education. I also share Republican beliefs on tax cuts, abortion, welfare reform, and faith-based initiatives. I have been active with Young Republicans and county Republicans since high school

DCRC: What politicians do you admire?
AH: Bill Frist stands out as he embodies compassionate conservatism His beliefs are close to my own, and I also respect the medical outreach work that he’s done in Africa. I also admire Elizabeth Dole’s approach to politics, J.C. Watts, and Colin Powell.

DCRC: What advice would you give Republican leaders to attract more minorities?
AH: It is as simple as reaching out because there are many young people willing to listen. The Republican Party has solutions. People on campus are thinking differently, and there are many “closeted” Republicans. I would also advise stressing the history of African-Americans in the Republican Party.