The Democratic presidential nominee celebrated her 60th birthday with a visit to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest. The congregation welcomed her with a heartfelt song. This visit was a part of a nationwide campaign called “Souls to the Polls,” which aims to inspire Black churchgoers to exercise their right to vote.
The pastor emphasized the need for societal change, stating that when Black women take action, it becomes impossible to ignore.
In his talk, Harris shared the story of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke. The parable recounts the journey of a man who was assaulted by robbers while traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. Despite being left battered and injured, the man was fortunate enough to receive aid from an unexpected stranger.
According to Harris, while all religions emphasize the importance of loving one’s neighbor, it is much more challenging to extend that love to someone who is a complete stranger.
During her political rallies, she exuded a more vibrant demeanor. However, in a more solemn tone, she emphasized the significance of genuine faith in advocating for the well-being of humanity.
She drew attention to the Samaritan parable as a poignant reminder that merely preaching about compassion and respect is insufficient; it is imperative that we actively embody these values in our lives.
Numerous individuals present at the event donned pink attire, symbolizing their support for breast cancer awareness. Notably, Opal Lee, a prominent advocate for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday, was also in attendance. Vice President Harris warmly embraced Lee, acknowledging her significant contributions to the cause.
The vice president will also be making a midday visit to Divine Faith Ministries International in Jonesboro, accompanied by singer Stevie Wonder. Afterwards, she will tape an interview with the Rev. Al Sharpton, which will be aired on MSNBC later on Sunday.
This schedule highlights her campaign’s strategy of targeting every voting group as if they were swing state voters, aiming to appeal to all in this closely contested election with early voting already underway.
Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, decided to attend a church service in Saginaw, Michigan, while his wife, Gwen, chose to participate in a service in Las Vegas.
The National Advisory Board of Black Faith Leaders has initiated the “Souls to the Polls” campaign last week. Representatives from the board are being sent to battleground states where early voting for the November 5 election has begun.
“My father always emphasized the significance of voting, stating that a ‘voteless people is a powerless people’,” expressed Martin Luther King III on Friday. “Taking that small step to the ballot box is crucial. When Black voters are organized and actively participate, we hold the power to shape the course of this nation.”
On Saturday, the vice president energized her supporters in Detroit alongside the talented singer Lizzo. She then journeyed to Atlanta, where she turned her attention towards the issue of abortion rights.
During her visit, she shed light on the tragic death of a Georgia mother, a heart-wrenching consequence of the state’s stringent abortion laws which were enforced following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a ruling influenced by three justices appointed by Donald Trump.
On Sunday, she will campaign in the suburbs of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin alongside former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming.
According to Harris, Donald Trump continues to evade responsibility and refuses to acknowledge the pain and suffering he has inflicted.
Harris, a Baptist, is married to Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish. She draws inspiration from the teachings of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and is deeply influenced by the religious practices of her mother’s homeland, India, as well as the traditions of the Black Church.
In her childhood, Harris actively participated in the choir at the Twenty Third Avenue Church of God in Oakland.
Black church communities across the nation have been actively engaging in get-out-the-vote initiatives for several years. One of the primary motivations behind these efforts is to combat voter suppression tactics that have persisted since the Jim Crow era. From the pulpits, the importance of early voting is emphasized with equal fervor as political candidates do.
In Georgia, early voting kicked off on Tuesday, with over 310,000 individuals casting their votes on that day. This figure more than doubled the first-day turnout from 2020. Notably, the 2020 presidential election in Georgia witnessed an unprecedented 5 million people exercising their right to vote.