Key Takeaways:
– Kamala Harris expresses the need for compassion and respect during her speech at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest.
– The “Souls to the Polls” campaign led by the National Advisory Board of Black Faith Leaders encourages Black churchgoers to participate in early voting.
– Harris evokes the parable of the Good Samaritan as a reminder to live out ideals of compassion and respect.
– Pastor Jamal Bryant spoke positively of the idea of America electing a woman president.
– Activist Opal Lee, a dedicated campaigner for making Juneteenth a federal holiday, was present during Harris’s speech.
Harris Advocates Compassion and Voting in Church Address
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris expressed the importance of compassion, respect and civic participation in her address to a large Black church in the suburbs of Atlanta. Harris, who was celebrating her 60th birthday, captured the attention of the entire congregation at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Value Of Compassion And Respect
Harris focused on the need to manifest compassion and respect not just in words, but in everyday actions. Echoing the Gospel of Luke’s parable of the Good Samaritan, she emphasized the challenge of extending love to strangers as if they were a part of the community. Further, she denounced those who encouraged division and chaos, assessing a leader’s strength through their ability to uplift others.
Soul to the Polls Campaign
Harris’s visit to the church was part of the larger “Souls to the Polls” campaign. This national initiative developed by the National Advisory Board of Black Faith Leaders aims to stimulate voting within Black communities, particularly as early voting in the November 5th election has begun.
A Female President’s Impact and Hope for Change
Pastor Jamal Bryant, who welcomed Harris, spoke highly of the vice-president and shared his hope for America’s first woman president. He noted the importance of support by proclaiming “it takes a real man to support a real woman.” Harris was also described as “an American hero, the voice of the future” and commended Black women’s power to enact societal change.
Support for Juneteenth as Federal Holiday
Renowned activist Opal Lee, who has been vigorously campaigning to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, was present at the church. The vice-president warmly embraced her, recognizing her tireless efforts towards racial justice.
Securing Votes and Advocating for Humanity
Harris reinforced the importance of voting in impacting the nation’s direction, acknowledging Martin Luther King III’s quote about the power in unity and organization of Black voters. She amplified her call for humanity and accountability by highlighting her campaign’s efforts to connect with every potential voter.
The Power of the Black Vote
Continuing her campaign at other events, Harris was notably accompanied by singer Stevie Wonder, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, keeping in line with the strategy to appeal to all voting groups. Harris’s schedule reflects her campaign’s determination to leave no stone unturned in appealing to all voters and achieving a fair election. Harris herself resonates with multi-faith traditions that encourage compassion and unity.
By cementing the foundations of compassion, respect, and an involvement in civic duties, Kamala Harris hopes to carve a brighter and better democratic future for America. As she ended her speech rooting for better days ahead, the attendees clapped, many of them wearing pink in support of breast cancer awareness. And so, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” Harris said, reflecting the power of resilience.