Story highlights A group of black Republicans endorsed Donald Trump, saying the Republican front-runner is the best candidate to "free black communities" from Democrats

Throughout his campaign, Trump has often been criticized for his words and actions toward black Americans

Washington (CNN) A group of black Republicans endorsed Donald Trump on Friday, saying the Republican front-runner is the best candidate to "free black communities" from Democrats.

"Black Americans across America are beginning to wake up and see clearly the reality of what is happening in black neighborhoods," the National Black Republican Association said on its blog.

"We believe that Mr. Trump has demonstrated that he can push back against the mainstream media, end political correctness and free black communities from the destructive grip of socialist Democrats."

Frances Rice, co-founder and chairman of the group, wrote that Trump shares the association's values.

"As citizens who happen to be black, we support Mr. Trump because he shares our values," she wrote. "We are deeply concerned about illegal immigration, a major cause of high black unemployment, especially among black youth."

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