The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump by Clay Cane

"The Grift" by Clay Cane is a groundbreaking exploration of the complex history of Black Republicans in the United States. Cane examines how Black Republicanism, once a movement championed by revolutionaries like Frederick Douglass, has been distorted and exploited by opportunists who defend racism.

The book traces the evolution of Black Republicanism from its origins after the Civil War, when it stood for a balanced critique of both political parties, civil rights for all Americans, economic reinvention, and the building of thriving Black communities. Cane sheds light on how figures like South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas have become symbols of this distortion, consistently supporting policies that harm their own communities.

Cane's analysis exposes how Black figures in positions of power can sometimes perpetuate and enable systemic racism. By examining these individuals and their actions, Cane offers a compelling argument for emancipation and lays out a plan to ensure a more equitable future for Black and brown people. "The Grift" is a timely and essential read that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of race, politics, and power in America.