The Jefferson County Republican Party recently elected Phillip Brown as its first African-American chairman. For more than ten years, Brown has served as the chairman of the Alabama Minority GOP.
He voiced optimism for the future, adding that major enhancements are coming. “It’s been a long time coming for this milestone in the party’s history,” Brown said, per ABC 3340.
The Jefferson County native stressed the opportunity for the party to broaden its presence throughout the county, particularly among the Black population.
He elaborated: “I think a lot of the values and the policies that we support actually is something that not only supports the Black community but also is just good for human beings in general.”
Brown is a retired educator with 22 years of automotive technology expertise at Shades Valley High School and Minor High School. Governor Ivey previously named Brown to the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission.
According to the Alabama Political Reporter, John Wahl, the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, commended Brown’s leadership and dedication to conservative principles.
READ ALSO: Texas Congresswoman’s two-word message to Elon Musk surprises many
Wahl said, “Phillip Brown’s election is a historic moment for the Jefferson County Republican Party, and it is well deserved. He is one of the hardest-working Republican leaders in our state, and I have no doubt he will bring fresh energy and determination to this role. I look forward to working with him as we continue to advance Republican principles in Jefferson County.”
Currently, Brown’s goal is to establish a new standard for Republicans.
“The biggest shortcoming that we as a party have had is that we have failed to actively reach out to the Black community and counteract the message that the Democratic Party has labeled us with—the party of old white men,” Brown said. “If we engage people based on what we stand for and our policies, I think it makes a difference; we just got to do it.”
He further stated that as chairman, his top priorities will be “working alongside community leaders to address Jefferson County’s challenges, particularly improving public safety, strengthening education for our children, and fostering economic growth.”
READ ALSO: Few schools publicly rush to comply as Trump’s DEI ban deadline nears