At a lively rally in Atlanta on Saturday, Georgia activist Michaelah Montgomery captivated the audience when former President Donald Trump invited her on stage. The event took place at the Georgia State University Convocation Center, where Trump shared a heartfelt story about their initial meeting earlier this year at a local restaurant.
Trump reminisced about how Montgomery, a Clark Atlanta University alumna, had approached him to express her gratitude for his efforts in supporting historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “She looked at me and said, ‘It’s President Trump. You saved my college.’ I was amazed at how sharp and smart she was,” Trump recounted, adding that Montgomery had praised his administration’s policies that benefited HBCUs.
Montgomery’s engaging personality was evident as she playfully responded to Trump’s anecdotes about their interaction. Trump praised her as “incredible” and assured the audience of his support for her bright future before handing the microphone over to her. “This one is so smart, so sharp,” he said, highlighting her intelligence and potential. He even humorously mentioned how she had kissed him, and he joked, “I said, ‘I think I’m never going back home to the first lady.’” Montgomery responded with laughter, showing the camaraderie between them.
Taking the stage, Montgomery emphasized the importance of spreading the conservative message beyond their immediate circles. She introduced her initiative, Conserve the Culture, aimed at mobilizing HBCU students to embrace conservative values. “Nobody needs this message more than my folks,” she declared passionately to the cheering crowd. “Are y’all with us for real? Ima give it back to Big T.” Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting a sense of urgency and commitment to her cause.
Montgomery’s speech underscored a broader theme of activism and engagement within the conservative movement, particularly among young African Americans. Her efforts to bridge the gap between HBCUs and conservative values highlight a growing trend of diverse voices within the Republican Party. By focusing on mobilizing students and spreading the conservative message, Montgomery aims to create a more inclusive and representative movement.
The rally occurred shortly after Trump faced criticism from the White House for comments made at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. Trump questioned her heritage in a way that sparked controversy, saying, “She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”
Fox News’ Harris Faulkner, who co-moderated a panel with Trump at the convention, commended the former president for navigating a challenging environment and facing tough questions. During an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Faulkner reflected on the event, highlighting the significant conversations they had despite the tense atmosphere. “I’m watching that back and I’m seeing that we were able to, at some points, the former president and I, have a conversation. So much of what America is focused on today and so much of what that started with, with all that emotion and the gotcha moments from the interviewer who was seated directly to his left has really overtaken the fact that we had an opportunity to talk with a president who walked into a racial storm yesterday.”
Faulkner pointed out that the NABJ had also extended invitations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, noting Harris’s eventual commitment to participate via satellite due to scheduling conflicts. “There were journalists, activists, whatever you want to call people who let their politics show, who wanted the NABJ to rescind its offer to have the 45th president of the United States come and sit,” Faulkner added. “They had also invited Joe Biden, and he had said yes, but he’s not on the ticket anymore. They’ve also invited Kamala Harris. Finally yesterday, after some reported back and forth about her schedule, so on and so forth, she’ll do something via satellite. And I know she’s attending Representative Sheila Jackson Lee’s funeral today, but NABJ is several days; it’s five days, Wednesday through Sunday. So, that has been worked out.”
Faulkner’s reflections shed light on the complexities of political discourse and the importance of maintaining open channels of communication, even amidst controversy. Her comments also underscore the value of engaging with diverse perspectives and fostering dialogue, especially in politically charged environments.
Overall, the rally showcased the energetic and passionate support for Trump and highlighted Montgomery’s rising influence as a conservative activist. Her story and her initiative, Conserve the Culture, exemplify the ongoing efforts to diversify and expand the conservative movement. By mobilizing HBCU students and spreading the conservative message, Montgomery aims to create a more inclusive and dynamic political landscape. The event also served as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and engagement in addressing complex social and political issues, reflecting the broader challenges and opportunities facing the conservative movement today.