Freedom Sunday October 26: From the Pews to the Polls

By Andrea Haynes, NDG Contributing Writer

On Monday Oct. 20, pastors, worship leaders, and men of faith from Dallas, Smith and Jefferson Counties all gathered for the Freedom Sunday Clergy Luncheon. The event was held at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church in Dallas. Their goal was to strategize how to increase voter turnout from their churches and communities this weekend for Freedom Sunday.

The attendees included: Rev. Bryan Carter, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Rev. Rickie Rush, Rev. Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, and a host of other supporters and pastors.

Freedom Sunday is an effort to recall the spirit of Freedom Summer fifty years ago. In 1964, Mississippi had the lowest percentage of eligible black voters who were actually registered to vote. This led to a coalition being formed that included CORE, SNCC, NAACP, COFO, and other Civil Rights organizations. Their ranks also included almost 1,000 white college students, northern volunteers and citizens all joining together to register as many eligible black citizens as possible.

In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was signed and was a direct result of nonprofit organizations, civic-minded organizations, clergy, and churches banning together to make the African-American community heard. Now, fifty years later, several of the same organizations have come together with the same purpose in mind: to increase the amount of registered voters across the country. Freedom Sunday is a non-partisan coordinated statewide initiative with the goal to increase the African–American voter turnout in and throughout the local faith communities.

In Dallas County less than 6 percent of registered Black voters actually stand up and make their voice heard through their vote. That is why the African-American Pastors’ Coalition, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Baptist Ministerial Alliance, New Hope Baptist Church, the Potters House, Inspiring Body of Christ, Antioch Fellowship and many others have joined the Freedom Sunday movement.

During the Freedom Sunday Clergy Luncheon, Rev. Bryan Carter, President of the African American Pastor’s Coalition, explained how important it is for the clergymen to be engaged on the inside of the church, as well as, outside their four walls within the community.

“I am reminded of Matthew Chapter 5:13-16 where Jesus calls us both the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We know that the salt works by permeating, salt is rubbed into the meat and that salt which is rubbed into the meat then preserves that meat from the inside out. At the same time light works on the outside, it illuminates and shows the way,” Rev. Carter shared.

He encouraged the attendees to galvanize other churches and communities and drive their fellow citizens to the polls. He recommended strategies such as taking people with you; using available buses, go with their congregations to the polls to make sure their voices are heard throughout the political halls.

In closing Rev. Carter added, “This 50th Anniversary that marks the freedom movement years ago. We get to capture that energy and excitement again to remember how important it is particularly in our community to make sure we exercise our right to vote.”

The 2013 ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the need for historically discriminatory states to get approval from the U.S. Justice Department prior to making changes to voting laws. Here, in Texas, many feel voters are now experiencing suppression through the Voter ID Law.

Bishop T. D. Jakes of The Potter’s House explained the need of the faith community to join forces. He believes when people see them coming together, they will become increasingly relevant in the voting community.  During oppression, he reminded the audience, it is important for people to galvanize for just causes.

“What we saw back in the 60s was a result of the oppression that was placed on black people and I think the church became a command center. We have not seen that kind of graphic oppression since then, but I do not doubt that should it arise and as it arises the church will galvanize again,” according to Bishop Jakes.

He challenged the listeners to turn their plans into action. And any plan to create change, must include reaching the younger generation. Then the community will begin to see change happen.

“I am committed to that, fully vested, fully charged into it and that’s why we have supported Freedom Sunday not only at our three campuses but throughout our social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and all of the things that this age represents and all of the people it is able to touch,” Bishop Jakes declared.

He challenged the ministers to reach out to as many registered voters, even those outside of their congregations. Bishop Jakes believes the church still has a strong influence over the communities. He encourages the worship leaders to use their influence to stress the importance of this election.

As the Black community watches what is going on at City Hall, the state capitol and Washington, D.C. they are increasingly asking questions such as:

• What about our community?

• What about our children?

• What about our future?

It is critical to remind DFW residents the importance of voting on Nov. 4 to ensure their voice is heard locally, in Austin and in Washington, D.C.

“Every time we make any moves forward, we change things,” Rev. Rickie Rush discussing  the importance of the upcoming midterm elections.

Rev. Rush is the senior pastor of Inspiring Body of Christ Church and was also the host pastor of the Freedom Sunday Clergy Luncheon. He is looking for the citizens of Texas to get out and vote if they hope to see change in their community, for our children and the future of Texas and America.

“Voting is letting people know what side we are on and that we do make a difference. We are the ones that control us moving forward in the quality of life.”

Rev. Rush closed by reminding the guests, “We as believers, realistically prayer changes things and when we pray we make a difference!”

Early voting kicked off on Monday and closes on Friday, October 31. The Freedom Sunday Oct. 26 push is this weekend.