Kamala Harris uses her faith to connect with Black voters.
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise visit to the New Birth Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, last Sunday. Reva Harvey, a Black woman, found the visit significant as she believes it is crucial to reach out to older Black voters and provide them with essential information before the upcoming election on Nov. 5.
Harvey expressed the importance of thorough outreach efforts, stating, “You need to hit every corner, turn every stone, just to be safe,” during Harris’ rally in Atlanta. Harris, who identifies as a Baptist, concluded a week of intensified engagement with Black voters by visiting two churches in the Atlanta area. This targeted approach aimed to activate and persuade Black voters, who constitute a critical segment of the Democratic Party’s electorate.
During a CNN town hall, Harris emphasized her faith and the role it plays in her life. She spoke about how her upbringing instilled in her a belief in a loving God and the importance of living out one’s faith through service and uplifting others. Harris also shared a personal anecdote about seeking spiritual guidance during challenging times, highlighting the connection between faith and resilience.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock joined Harris at a church event in Jonesboro, Georgia, where he dismissed claims of Black male support shifting away from Harris to former President Donald Trump. Warnock urged the men in the crowd to stand up and chant “real men vote,” emphasizing the significance of active civic engagement.
In her recent engagements, Harris attended various Black church services in battleground states, connecting with the community through shared faith and values. At the New Birth Baptist Church, Harris drew inspiration from the Gospel of Luke, invoking the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” to underscore the importance of compassion and community support. Later, at a “Souls to the Polls” event, Harris was joined by music icon Stevie Wonder and Senator Warnock, reinforcing the message of faith in action and voter mobilization.
The Harris campaign enlisted a National Advisory Board of Black Faith Leaders to lead voter outreach efforts and engage communities across battleground states. Notable figures, including Reverend Amos C. Brown and Jamal Bryant, emphasized the importance of collective support and representation within the campaign.
Recent polling data from battleground states indicated that while Harris enjoys significant support from Black voters, there is a notable variance in support among Black men and women. Efforts to address this gap included policy initiatives tailored to address key concerns of Black male voters, such as healthcare equity, criminal justice reform, and economic empowerment.
Former President Barack Obama, a prominent advocate for Harris, urged Black men to reflect on their support for female leadership and challenged any lingering biases. Harris herself acknowledged the need to earn every vote, irrespective of race or gender, reaffirming her commitment to inclusive and equitable representation.
As the election nears, the Harris campaign intensifies its outreach to Black male voters through targeted policies, community engagements, and media appearances. Harris’ running mate, Governor Tim Walz, underscored the campaign’s dedication to addressing the concerns of all voters and fostering a dialogue on critical issues.
Through a multifaceted approach that includes policy proposals, grassroots organizing, and media outreach, the Harris campaign aims to galvanize Black voters and secure their support in the upcoming election. By actively engaging with diverse communities and amplifying underrepresented voices, Harris seeks to build a coalition committed to progress and equality.
The collective efforts of grassroots organizers, faith leaders, and campaign surrogates reflect a broader commitment to inclusive democracy and social change. As Election Day approaches, the impact of these outreach initiatives on voter turnout and representation remains a central focus for the Harris campaign and its supporters.
