This week on American Black Journal: 

Historically, the Black church has served as a powerful advocate for civil rights and social justice. As the 2024 election approaches, Black churches in Detroit are once again playing a crucial role in mobilizing the African American community to vote and participate in the civic process.

According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 30 million Black Americans were eligible to vote in the 2020 presidential election and one-third of them lived in key battleground states including Michigan. In Michigan alone, about 1 million eligible voters identify as African American, comprising 13% of the state’s electorate. Approximately 70% of African American voters in Michigan live in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Young African American voters are a vital factor as well. Millennials and Gen Zers account for four-in-ten African American voters nationally, emphasizing the need for targeted outreach to engage the population.

Ahead of the 2024 election, American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines Black churches’ role in the election and how faith intersects with politics. Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes talks with Rev. Dr. Georgia Hill of LifeChurch Riverside Detroit, Rev. Lawrence Rodgers from Second Baptist Church of Detroit, and Rev. Ralph Godbee, Jr. of Triumph Church.

They talk about the importance of voting and how Black Americans throughout history have sacrificed their lives in the fight to get the right to vote. The group also discusses how their individual churches are getting out the vote and inspiring congregants to go to the polls on Nov. 5 or participate in early voting. Rev. Dr. Hill explains how she will be actively serving at a polling place on election day. She shares how people can act out their faith in the voting booth. 

Additionally, the religious leaders talk about getting young people excited to participate in the election and distinguishing between the truth and misinformation on social media sites. They also discuss how the Black church has historically been outspoken against injustice of any kind and stress how every vote matters. Rev. Godbee, Jr. explains how the Black church sees things differently in its advocacy for human and civil rights and talks about the importance of keeping the conversation about voting alive in the African American community.  Plus, Rev. Rodgers expounds on eliminating voter apathy and being able to discern between what is right and wrong.