"What's up with all these Republicans swarming New York?"

That's what Serena Williams wanted to know when we met up at a Wilson Sporting goods party honoring her and her sisterVenus last weekend.

"The Republican convention is going on," I explain.

"You're a Republican," she asks.

"Third generation," I reply.

I explain to her how liberalism has not solved our most basic problems. Instead, it has put us in the mindset that we have to be fed government programs, instead of being given access to capital and the opportunity to create our own jobs. "We need to move beyond the basic covenants of liberalism and finally face who we are and what we need.."

"Makes sense, but I've always been a Democrat. I had no idea you were a Republican," she says.

I burst out in laughter. "Yeah, I thought you figured that out when I took you to the White House Correspondents dinner!"

Serena pauses for a moment of contemplation, then: "Good, we should start to think of ourselves as individuals, instead of just a color. But let me be clear: I'm still a Democrat"

My phone rings. It's Hollywood mogul Norman Lear. He confirms that Andre 3000 from Outkast will interview me for an HBO special during the convention. Andre had been taping an interview series for HBO juxtaposing the Democratic and Republican conventions. "Bring it," I say.

Then it's over to the Black American Political Action Committee (BAMPAC) convention party. The room is packed with stars, politicians, cabinet members. BAMPAC's president and CEO, Alvin Williams (my humble brother), is talking about taking the Republican message to historically black colleges and universities and making sure that every HBCU has a program that allows a bipartisan discussion on the political future of black Americans. These forums could host discussions about how the younger generation faces different obstacles from those encountered by their parents and grandparents, and what political options are available to help them deal with their unique concerns. Alvin suggests launching a series of debates on HBCU campuses across the country.

One hopes this will come to fruition. Continued...