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AUGUST 3, 2000

Diversity at the Republican National Convention this week could be found primarily on the stage of the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but not necessarily in the demographic makeup of convention delegates.

Throughout the week, political and media commentators wondered aloud about the changing face of the Republican Party. With an endless parade of persons of color on the stage as presenters, speakers, and entertainers, the convention at times has seemed more "party" than "Republican."

Prominent African-Americans such as retired General Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice, Bush's international affairs advisor took to the stage in support of the party Bush himself said has not always lived up to the ideals of equality and freedom expressed by President Lincoln.

But Native Americans, as well as Asian-Americans, have been absent from much of the week's festivities. With less than half of a percent of delegates identifying themselves as Native American, according to one poll, American Indians haven't been given as much air time as Hispanics or African-Americans.

One exception occurred Wednesday evening, when Rebecca Ann King, a Virginia resident, sang the national anthem at the convention. Born in Oklahoma, King is also of Chickasaw heritage.

Still, Native Americans have made some of their presence known at the convention. John J Guevremont, a Connecticut delegate and a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, drafted the party platform on Native Americans.

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California held their own event on Wednesday, albeit outside of convention headquarters. A lunch honoring Republican candidates was held by the tribe, who were joined by representatives from the United American Indians of Delaware Valley.

However, the true test of the Republican party's attempt at outreach to minorities won't be seen until November. With minority citizens typically voting Democrat, the GOP has a long way to go if it hopes to convince the public it means business.

Relevant Links:
The Republican National Convention - www.gopconvention.com

Related Stories:
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Republican convention opens (The Talking Circle 8/1)
Where is the GOP on tribes? (The Talking Circle 8/1)
The GOP 2000 Platform on Native Americans (The Talking Circle 8/1)
Has the GOP blown it? (The Talking Circle 7/20)
NCAI Vice-Pres: Republicans, Gorton (The Talking Circle 7/17)