By Roy S. Johnson
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” — Maya Angelou
I should let my wife write this column. She witnessed my incredulous reaction as I listened to Donald Trump at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago. Her observation? “The best thing was watching your facial expressions.”
The event was an unsettling experience. Despite knowing Trump’s track record, his live appearance revealed a level of rudeness, arrogance, and deceit that was both astonishing and stomach-turning.
Trump’s visit, part of NABJ’s longstanding tradition of inviting presidential nominees, was contentious from the start. The NABJ, with over 4,000 journalists from diverse backgrounds, has historically welcomed nominees from both parties for questioning during election seasons. This year, Trump’s presence was especially controversial given his inflammatory rhetoric and his contentious relationship with Black communities.
Many within NABJ questioned the decision to invite Trump, particularly in light of his derogatory remarks about Black people and migrants. The expectation was that Trump might display some humility or at least offer a compelling case for why Black voters should consider him. Instead, he reinforced his familiar persona: dismissive, offensive, and condescending.
Trump’s responses during the Q&A session were striking. When challenged by ABC News’ Rachel Scott, he dismissed her tough but fair question as “nasty,” a term he used to belittle a Black journalist in front of thousands. His surprise at the number of Black journalists present was palpable, and his disdain was evident.
His comments on migration and race were particularly jarring. He repeated false claims about migrants committing crimes and taking jobs from Black and Hispanic Americans. His remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, including a mispronunciation of her name and a birther conspiracy, added to the spectacle of disrespect.
Trump’s lack of depth on critical issues was glaring. His knowledge of Sandra Massey’s tragic shooting by police was superficial at best. Massey, a Black woman killed while holding a pot of water, was reduced to a mere “not good” in Trump’s response.
The event underscored Trump’s failure to engage with substantive policy discussions and his preference for simplistic, inflammatory rhetoric. His appearance reaffirmed why many feel he is not fit to lead and highlighted the disheartening reality of contemporary political discourse.
As I reflect on the experience, I’m reminded of the values instilled in me: to surround myself with good people and uphold high standards. Trump’s appearance at the NABJ convention was a stark reminder of the importance of holding our leaders to those standards and rejecting the toxic traits he embodies.
This column is a reflection of my experience and my belief in the need for integrity and respect in our political leaders. I welcome your thoughts and invite you to share your perspectives at rjohnson@al.com or connect with me on Twitter @roysj and Instagram @roysj.
