In a lecture hosted by the Iowa State University chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, conservative author Vince Everett Ellison delivered a pointed critique of the Democratic Party and emphasized themes of American exceptionalism, individual responsibility and religious values.
The event, held on campus and co-sponsored by the Young America’s Foundation and the ISU Committee on Lectures, drew a range of attendees—some supportive, others curious or critical. Jonah Manternach, a senior in agricultural studies and the chapter’s chairman, opened the evening with a welcome. Acknowledging ideological differences among the audience, he expressed hope for “meaningful, constructive conversations.”
Ellison, introduced as the author of four books, began on a personal note.
“Everywhere I go, I just see good people,” Eliison said, contrasting his experiences with the way the U.S. is often portrayed in media. “The things that I hear about this nation when I look at the media and read the newspapers—I just don’t see it.”
Reflecting on his upbringing on a “garden plantation” in Tennessee, Ellison described his father’s work ethic as formative. He recalled an early moment of recognition from a Black insurance executive, using the anecdote to underscore what he sees as the importance of personal accountability over racial identity.
“You’re always being watched by the gatekeepers of society, and they are going to look at the return of your work by your work ethic, not the color of your skin,” Ellison said. “I am a Black man in America. I have seven brothers and sisters—[we] all have seen extreme success in America. Why? Because you never believe that lie that color can hold you back.”
Throughout the evening, Ellison delivered a sharp denunciation of liberal politics, particularly critiquing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“Diversity, equity, inclusion really didn’t help,” Ellison said. “Liberals tell you you’re beaten before you even start the game.”
He also criticized secular higher education.
“I go to a lot of the liberal college campuses, and I notice that they shun the name of Jesus Christ,” Ellison said.
Ellison drew a sweeping timeline of the Democratic Party, connecting its historical associations with slavery and Jim Crow to what he described as modern ideological failings.
“Democrat party of slavery from 1800 to 1860… [and later] the party of Jim Crow… now the party of promotion—transgenderism, failing schools, open borders,” Ellison said. “Whenever there is a large group of Black people, they treat them like dogs.”
Ellison took aim at government intervention and centralized power, calling it antithetical to individual liberty.
“The very same government that you say is racist… that you say you cannot trust… you want that government to decide what white people have elevated?” Ellison asked. “It’s almost like asking the Nazis to choose the Jews to rule.”
Ellison also addressed abortion as a moral and political concern.
“Why would you create a government that now finances the murder of its own citizens for abortion?” Ellison said. “By the time they get out of childbearing years, they realize, ‘Oh my God, I made the worst mistake in my life.’”
Ellison concluded with a message of resilience, encouraging the audience to “stand on truth,” even in the face of opposition.
“I have fought these people for most of my entire life,” Ellison said. “I fought them on the streets. I fought them in the prisons. I fought them in the halls of the Bible. I will fight them till hell freezes over. And when hell freezes over, I fight.”
