In Detroit, Donald Trump’s campaign intensified efforts to rally black voters by organising an event in downtown Detroit. Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180Church, who gained attention at the Republican National Convention, hosted the roundtable on Thursday. The initiative sought to channel Republican outreach through trusted black community leaders.
Sewell, a lifelong Republican, revealed his political stance publicly when Trump visited his church in July, which he described as his “coming-out party”. Sewell has served in Detroit, Pontiac, and Saginaw, traditionally Democratic areas, while maintaining his Republican voting record. He explained his political choice stems from his Biblical beliefs.
Apostle Ellis L. Smith of Jubilee City Church in Redford echoed Sewell’s sentiments at the event held at Table No. 2 restaurant. Smith emphasised the need to think biblically rather than culturally, expressing concerns about societal issues such as gender identity in public restrooms. He stressed the broader impact of Detroit’s direction on America and the world.
Detroit pastor urges other Black faith leaders to support Trump for president https://t.co/zwVhtbjjVh
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) September 27, 2024
Clinton Tarver, a 74-year-old Republican candidate for the Ingham County Commission, shared his challenges on the campaign trail, citing both general disinterest and hostility towards Republican affiliation. Tarver aims to normalise the presence of black Republicans and advocates for freedom of choice in political affiliation.
Martell Bivings, a black Republican contesting against Democrat Shri Thanedar in Detroit’s congressional district, was absent but had previously warned the Trump campaign about the necessity of genuine outreach to the African-American community. Bivings highlighted the risk of black voters not participating in elections without substantial engagement.
Alexandria Taylor, vice chair of the 13th District Republicans, supported the importance of grassroots efforts. She emphasised the need for door-to-door campaigns and conversations to win black votes, criticising Democrats for taking black voters for granted.
Mike Rogers, Michigan’s Republican Senate candidate, was the sole non-pastor speaker. He had previously joined Sewell in Pontiac to connect with black voters. Rogers encouraged the community to consider Republican ideas, focusing on the literacy crisis affecting all demographics. He noted the alarming statistic that 80% of Michigan students are not reading at grade level, linking illiteracy to higher chances of imprisonment or welfare dependency.
🚨New: A prominent black pastor Lorenzo Sewell in Detroit has called for other Black faith leaders to support and vote for President Trump. pic.twitter.com/pwc120s5Vo
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) September 27, 2024
The pastors discussed various ways America deviates from Biblical principles, including issues like abortion and transgenderism, while Rogers concentrated on the significance of education as a critical civil rights issue.
What Other Media Are Saying
- BridgeDetroit report on Trump campaign’s mix-up of Detroit pastors for Black voter outreach event highlights the campaign’s attempts to woo Black voters despite past controversies and mistaken identity of local pastor Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.(read more)
- The Detroit News reports on Pastor Lorenzo Sewell encouraging Black faith leaders to support Donald Trump due to his anti-abortion views and support for Israel, despite character concerns.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are some black pastors supporting Donald Trump?
They believe in biblical principles and feel the Republican Party aligns more with their values.
What challenges do black Republicans face on the campaign trail?
They often encounter apathy and hostility, even from within their own communities.
How do Republicans plan to win more black votes?
By focusing on a strong ground game and engaging in direct conversations with voters.
What is the significance of literacy in the black community according to Mike Rogers?
Illiteracy is seen as a major barrier to future success and a significant civil rights issue.
Why did Pastor Lorenzo Sewell reveal his Republican affiliation now?
He views Trump’s visit to his church as a ‘coming-out party’ for his long-held Republican beliefs.