I'm Coming Out!... Of the Conservative Closet.

I have this scene in my head. I am standing in front of a five-story grey brick building. It's a cold afternoon, and the crisp sting of the cold air hastens my steps. As I clench the collar of my coat to cover my neck, I rush into the desolate building. Upon entering the building, I find myself in a cold, barren, dimly lit hallway. The sounds of my heels echos off of the bare walls, as I walk towards a room. The room is bare, except for a group of people sitting in a circle. I approach the circle cautiously, taking my seat in the last remaining chair. A series of thoughts flood my minds as I contemplate my introducation.  Hesitantly, I remove my coat and clear my throat. "Hello, everyone. My name is Caridad and I am a conservative."

I wish coming out as conservative was as dramatic as I made it seem, but alas that is not the case. Although coming out as a Black conservative is not as dramatic, it is as intense. I always feel the need to confess my conservatism, rather than profess it.  I have spent my entire life living in NYC. For those of you unfamiliar with the political climate in NYC, NYC is one of the most liberal cities in America. Having received my bachelor's and master's degrees from liberal universities, I have witnessed and fought against the indoctrination of liberal ideology and policy. As a conservative Black woman I am a minority, within a minority, within a minority. If there is safety in numbers, I am without political protection in my environment and immediate social circles. However, I do not mind. I would rather stand alone and firm in my beliefs than sheepishly follow the herd of public opinion. Hello and welcome to my blog! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Conservative Caridad, or you can simply call me Cari. Why the blog? I have been a covert conservative since my freshman year in college and an overt conservative for the last eight years. Let's face it. Being Black and being conservative goes together like oil and water...At least, that's how 99.99% of my friends and family see it. I am just fed up with liberal ideology and liberal policies and needed a medium to express my frustrations...hence, this blog. I am tired of defending my political beliefs to people who assume I bleed blue simply because I am Black. This blog will allow me to express my conservative beliefs, offer advice for other Black conservatives, and shed light on the multitude of issues that effect urban education. So, again I welcome you. Read, exchange ideas, evolve, and as always keep an open-mind. You just might learn something.