Historically Blacks belonged to theRepublican party , most turned from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party during the New Deal years. However, "The Grand Old Party" has recently seen a resurgence in its ranks among politically conservative blacks; chief among them are young men like J.C. Watts, Jr.

Born in Oklahoma, Watts believes that the Republican party is more in tune with the old-fashioned values of hard work, responsibility and self-help. He has espoused these virtues on the floor of the House of Representatives since 1994.

Formerly a professional quarterback in the Canadian Football League, Watts finds many similarities between himself and another famous Black Republican athelete: Jackie Robinson. Believing as Robinson did that success is determined by individual rather than group efforts, Watts also espouses this message as a guest preacher for Baptist churches.