A national organization for black conservatives is ramping up its presence in Washington. Move On Up, a group that's one part grassroots political organization and one part social network, has recently hosted big names like Allen West, and dinners at D.C. eateries like Oohs & Aahs.
Hughey Newsome, who's been charged with coordinating Move On Up events in the District, tells Yeas & Nays that black conservatives are more numerous than people would assume. "We're here, we're influential, and there's a lot more of us than you'd think if you're reading the mainstream media polls," he said.
The Washington area is rife with Move On Up members, a diverse contingent according to Newsome -- equal numbers of men and women, with a good chunk of members falling in the 30 to 35 year-old category. Newsome says Move On Up aims to increase conservatism among blacks, but also provide a safe place for black conservatives to voice their opinions.
"[It's] having that one-on-one, face-to-face fellowship time," he said. "With so few of us being able to call ourselves conservative, it's important."
