For three decades, Reverend Alyn E. Waller has been at the helm of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, the largest Black congregation in Philadelphia.
However, on Saturday, the esteemed pastor took on a different role, leading a unique gathering of 100 Black men. These men, dressed predominantly in leather, rode a fleet of powerful motorcycles, their engines growling with raw energy.
“In Philadelphia, we find ourselves in the midst of a remarkable scene: a hundred individuals on bikes, with the police offering assistance rather than pursuing us,” Waller enthusiastically expresses, as the sound of roaring engines fills the air. ”
By the day’s end, we can proudly say that we have made a positive impact, benefiting not only ourselves but the entire community.”
Just days before Pennsylvania’s voter registration deadline and a few weeks before Election Day, a pastor who rides a Harley-Davidson and a group of Black motorcycle clubs in Philadelphia, along with two nonpartisan voter engagement organizations, are urging men in historically Black neighborhoods to register and participate in the upcoming election.
These neighborhoods have traditionally experienced low voter turnout and limited political engagement.
“We have the Black Bikers Vote, Black Men Vote, and individuals who are passionate about democracy coming together on a gorgeous day to ride bikes through certain areas in Philadelphia that need a gentle reminder to exercise their right to vote,” Waller explained.