For the first time in history, the Republican National Committee has launched an advertising campaign directly tied to Black History Month.
The RNC announced the launch of the campaign Monday as part of their continued efforts to reach out to African-Americans.
According to a press release, the RNC will run media commercials in a number of black media outlets and urban markets that will be distributed on a number of different platforms.
There will be radio ads that will recognize key black Republicans including Judge Sara J. Harper of Ohio, Dr. Louis Sullivan of Georgia and Michigan businessman William “Bill” Brooks.
In addition to the 30-second radio spots, a month-long online series and several print ads will be published that pay tribute to prominent party members like Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina; Mayor Mia Love of Saratoga Springs, Utah; the late-Sen. Hiram Revels and historian Frederick Douglass.
“This Black History Month, we are excited about the unique opportunity to share the remarkable stories of black Republicans who have broken barriers and opened doors so that others may succeed. Recognizing these truly accomplished trailblazers through black media is an important opportunity to honor our past and build our future,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.
“During Black History Month, we remember our past as we look to build the future,” said Co-Chairman Sharon Day. “The party continues to stand proudly on the principles of individual freedom and equal opportunity for all, which have guided us from our earliest days. But we do recognize we must strive to build stronger relationships in the black community. That’s why we’ve made a commitment to having a presence where people live, work, and worship. It’s our opportunity to listen to voter concerns and share our hearts and ideas.”
However, the Democratic National Committee is doubtful about the effectiveness of the RNC’s approach.
“The RNC’s ad buys ring hollow since their party has continually opposed policies that give all communities a fair shake and allows everyone’s voice to be heard,” Kiara Pesante, the DNC’s director of African-American media, said in a statement, according to CNN.
Meanwhile, as the RNC campaigns to attract more black supporters, many African-American democrats have proactively launched a new campaign showing their support for one of the party’s leaders: Hillary Clinton.
Supporters of Clinton have launched a new campaign, “Ready for Hillary,” that aims to attract more African-American voters in hopes that it will build strong support in the black community and encourage her to run for the 2016 presidential election.
While Clinton has not yet officially declared her candidacy, black supporters are rallying hard to ensure she does.
Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works