GOP presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson. Photo credit: Michael Benjamin
On a sun dappled Tuesday afternoon, retired neurosurgeon and GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson paid a visit to Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant in the village of Harlem in Manhattan. The soft-spoken Dr. Carson was greeted by a gaggle of local media and photographers. One questioner asked Carson his opinion of Mayor Bill de Blasio. Carson matter-of-factly replied, “The people of New York voted for him” before one more question before entering Sylvia’s for lunch with a group of 50 predominantly African American professionals and businesspeople.
Credit: Michael Benjamin
Once inside, Carson went table to table exchanging greetings with each attendee. Harlem pastor and former New York Jet, Rev. Michel Faulkner opened the proceedings with a benediction by asking for God’s blessings in receiving Dr. Carson’s message.
State Republican adviser and former candidate for New York City Comptroller John Burnett was the convener of Tuesday’s luncheon. Burnett introduced the Detroit-born Carson as a someone who is unafraid to stand up for values.
Living up to his self-description as one who is not a loud-spoken person, Carson proceeded to talk his background as a neurosurgeon and his foray into presidential politics. In his talk, Carson revealed that a boy his favorite book was Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, “Up From Slavery.” From there, Carson launched into a discussion of personal responsibility, perseverance, and wealth-building in the black community. Citing $1 trillion in black consumer spending, Carson spoke of “the need to turn those dollars over three times within the black community” to create self-sustaining communities. He shared his belief that the black community has been damaged by “purveyors of strife.”
Attorney and Bronx Republican Juan Carlos Polanco said he really liked what Dr. Carson had to say about ending the dependent class and taking personal responsibility. “He connected with me,” said Mr. Polanco.
Credit: Michael Benjamin
Later, Dr. Carson went on a brief sojourn along Harlem’s famed 125th Street towards the Adam Calyton Powell Jr. State Office Building but that walk was cut short mid-block by street performers. Dr. Carson was trailed by a bevy of TV news cameras and microphone wielding journalists. After a brief walk along Lenox Avenue, Carson returned to Sylvia’s where he completed an interview with Mark Halperin and John Heilemann for their show, “All Due Respect” which airs on Bloomberg Politics. Dr. Carson discussed his support for police body cameras and told the two journalists that more people are recognizing him since the August 6 GOP Presidential Debate on Fox News Channel.
Follow Us