I missed the convention's opening session but after collecting my media pass, I managed to work my way into the Texas African American State Delegate Summit. I heard the tail end of Rick Perry's words. I also had the privilege to hear Michael Williams (Railroad Commissioner) and Dale Wainwright (Texas Supreme Court Justice).

I was very impressed with what Michael Williams (not this guy) had to say. He is currently involved in reaching out nationally to the African-American community along with Don King, Lurita Doan and Erika Harold. His stories about working with Don King were hilarious. I was most struck by this remark as he addressed the white delegates in the room:

You cannot expect black people to be simply brown white people. You cannot.

Dale Wainwright is also a captivating speaker. He spent time going over Republican values and how they line up with the values held by the black community, demonstrating that the term "Black Republican" is not an oxymoron. He also brought up the fact that in 2002, for the first time in history, 3 black candidates were elected to state-wide offices in one state. He played up the fact that it did not happen in a liberal state (Texas, actually) and that the three candidates were all Republicans.