Michael Steele shared personal and powerful anecdotes Thursday about his life as a "black kid living in Washington, D.C.," and the journey that took him first to the Maryland Statehouse and then to the national stage as chairman of the Republican Party.
Steele delivered his lecture, "Unity and Diversity: Common Ground in the 21st Century," in Memorial Chapel as part of Colgate's Diversity Week.
The first African American chairman of the GOP mostly avoided politics in his lecture, focusing primarily on the need for today's students to confront the mostly subtle forms of racism that exist today and to create their own legacies in the civil rights struggle.
Steele continually reminded the students of the need to stick closely to Martin Luther King Jr.'s message: to sit together "at the table of brotherhood."
And it is better, he pointed out, if minorities own the chair that is at the table, giving them the leverage they need to play significant roles in society.
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Michael Steele, the GOP national chairman, addresses the large crowd at Memorial Chapel on Thursday. Behind him is Interim President Lyle Roelofs and Javier Diaz '10, who earlier had read the Colgate Creed to the audience. (Photo by Andy Daddio)
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Spencer Charles '11, a member of the student group Brothers, appreciated Steele's unique viewpoint of diversity.
"The way he told his personal anecdotes about his experiences helped the audience connect with him. He really stuck close to the message of unity," said Charles.
Other students wished Steele went into greater detail when speaking about diversity in national politics.
"I thought it was interesting to hear his unusual story, but I think his talk would have benefited from a little more explanation of why he decided to be a Republican and how that reasoning aligns with all of his other views," said Erin Hatch '10.
In his address, Steele did touch on how his mother, an FDR Democrat, was disappointed with his decision to become a Republican.
He spoke about attending a seminary for three years, leaving before taking his vows, and deciding to become a lawyer.
The sometimes-controversial leader of the GOP was asked about his most recent foray into the national news, when he sharply criticized former President Jimmy Carter for saying racism was behind much of the vocal opposition to President Obama's health care plan.
Steele said blaming such criticism on racism will lead to a "there they go again" mentality that will diminish reactions to genuine racist attacks.
The audience grew quiet as Steele reflected on his successful 2002 campaign to become lieutenant governor of Maryland and his unsuccessful bid for a U.S. Senate seat in 2006.
Steele said he faced racist attitudes as newspaper editorials labeled him a token candidate without substance and at one particularly difficult debate, Oreo cookies were rolled toward him, suggesting he was black on the outside and white on the inside.
His appearance was sponsored by the president's office, the vice president and dean of diversity's office, and the Center for Freedom and Western Civilization.
"As a black Republican with conservative views, Steele was able to speak very honestly about diversity. His talk was inspirational and personal," said Professor Robert Kraynak, director of the center.