Thursday August 1st a group of leaders gathered in the basement hall of Mother African Zoar to strategize on how to help 1,000 neighbors register and vote in the upcoming election. The event was organized by the Rev. Dr. William Brawner in collaboration with Rev. Jeannette Davis of Black Voters Matter, and the leaders of Mother African Zoar UMC.
A spirit of hopefulness hung in the air alongside the humidity as folks gathered before the meeting. Osaze Ben, member of Mother African Zoar UMC, when asked what brought him out on one of the hottest days of the summer shared “[I’m here] to learn how to galvanize the black community so that we can get the resources we need to make a better life for ourselves and our children. I see a lot of stuff that really disheartens me. Homelessness, poverty, illiteracy. It really impacts a lot of us.”
Ms. Anna Smith boldly proclaimed “Our purpose is to get more people out to vote. I’m hoping that we can radiate out into the neighborhood to encourage people to do that. There are a lot of changes to be made.”
Every piece of the program was filled storytelling and concrete calls to action.
Ms. Gail Loney, a member of Mother African Zoar UMC, led the educational portion of the evening. She shared some statistics about voter turnout and addressed misinformation. “Only 30-40% of African Americans in Philly vote. Low voter turnout leads to less resources.”
She also helped to educate those present on current voting eligibility laws. “There are a lot of fallacies about who is and who is not eligible to vote,” she said. For instance, many people believe that if you are convicted of a felony, then you lose your right to vote forever, but in the state of Pennsylvania, voting rights are immediately restored to people who have been convicted of a felony, following the completion of their prison sentence. Those who have only been convicted of a misdemeanor, and those who are in prison awaiting a trial are all eligible to vote.
As she closed the her portion of the program, she ended reminded those present of the history that informs this current call to action. “Our ancestors lived and died for the right to vote. The only reason we’re here is because of what they did. We are standing on their shoulders. We have to be mindful of that. It is vitally important that we have a voice. That we are heard. Voting is how we are heard. I want my grandchildren to have a voice and a place in this country.”
After Ms. Loney addressed some of the misconceptions about voting, Rev. Jeannette Davis, Chaplain for Black Clergy of Philadelphia, and representative of Black Voters Matter shared her testimony. She first addressed the reality of the community’s lived experience.
“Sometimes our people are in such dire straits in our community. They are hopeless… A few decades ago, I wasn’t worried about what they were doing in Harrisburg. I didn’t see how it affects me and my children. Until I became politically involved, I learned everything we do involves politics.”
Once she realized that everything is political, everything changed. “My ancestors fought for that right for me… While we are here, we have a responsibility and an assignment, to teach the children.”
Rev. Davis invited those present to go out into their neighborhoods and share their story of how voting his impacted their lives. “You ask your neighbor if they’re registered, and you share your story.”
After Rev. Davis told her story, Rev. Brawner, pastor of Mother African Zoar, directed everyone’s attention to the QR codes that were placed on every table. He told the room, “That QR code will take you directly where you can register to vote. How are we going to register 1,000 people to vote? It seems like a large number, it really, it’s not. You can text this QR code, you can email this QR code, you can print this QR code. This QR code is working, even when you’re asleep.”
In addition to the QR code, Rev. Brawner also passed out paper registration forms for those who might feel uncomfortable using technology.
The Rev. Dr. Evelyn Kent Clark, District Superintendent and Dean of the Cabinet in EPA, was there to show support. “I hope to have a renewed spirit of political awareness and understanding not only within this church but also this community. I hope to bring hope back to this church. I see a small flame burning. Just a small one but I see it growing. I hope to see more people registered to vote. This QR code is going to help us do that.”
There is a lot of attention on the upcoming election. But this one isn’t the only one that matters. It is vitally important to make sure everyone’s voice is heard in every election. You can join Rev. Brawner and Mother African Zoar in their voter registration efforts by sharing the QR code to the right. Register to vote, make sure your voice is heard, and then share it with a friend, or with your church community to ensure that their voice is heard also.