Black Men United Hosts Rally to Bolster Democratic Support
Black Men United Hosts Rally to Bolster Democratic Support
By Tia Carol Jones
“We now have the opportunity to put America on a course of action that is unbelievable,” said Congressman Danny Davis, his wooden staff in hand as he stood at the pulpit of New Zion Baptist Church on Tuesday, Aug. 20th.
Rep. Davis was one of many elected officials and faith leaders who spoke during the Black Men United Super Tuesday Rally for Change on the city’s West side, not far from the United Center where the Democratic National Committee Convention was being held.
The Reverend John Harrell, co-founder of Black Men United, said that whenever he calls Davis, Davis always picks up his phone. Harrell said he appreciates having access that when he calls for something for the community, Davis answers.
Davis said, during his remarks, there are people who seek to lead the country who don’t deserve the mantle of leadership. He said there are individuals trying to take the country back to slavery, back to before slavery when Black people had no rights at all. He also talked about the Constitution and Black people and women getting the right to vote.
“Now, here we are with the opportunity to elect for the first time in the history of America an African American heritage woman of mixed race. It’s the first time in the history of the country, all we have to do is vote and make sure it happens,” Davis said.
Black Men United was founded by Harrell and Terry Young, with the mission of creating an alliance of Black men to mobilize resources with the goal of empowering the community through spirituality, safety and economics.
“All we’re trying to do is paint a different picture, tell a different story, share a different narrative about Black men in America, one that is positive and productive and progressive. Yes, we are pro-Black, but we are not anti-anybody,” Harrell said. He acknowledged the work of people like Anthony Prince, who has worked diligently to forward the mission of Black Men United.
Prince said that anything worth having takes time and building a legacy for future generations will take even more time. He added that he wants the Black Men United organization to be bigger in 30 years than it is now. He encouraged the audience to keep their heads up and keep moving forward in the face of challenges no matter where those challenges come from.
Media Personality and Entrepreneur Maze Jackson said in order for the Black community to succeed, the entire community has to come together.
“You have every facet of our community represented today. So today, we are going to reclaim our role in the Black community, we are going to reclaim our role in history, and we are going to be the defenders and protectors of our community,” Jackson said.
The 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin also spoke about the work that Black Men United has been doing across the country. He said that seeing Black men, standing tall, standing strong, supporting the community, supporting leadership and supporting Black women, that is when the community will see a change for the better. He said that voting for Vice President Kamala Harris as President means that there will be someone in the office who will take care of the needs of the Black community throughout the country.
Larry Huggins, Founder of Christmas in the Wards and Co-Founder of the Chicago Football Classic, talked about his first meeting with Black Men United and how much of an impact the organization has made since he first met them.
“They have taken a human rights agenda across the country, and they are truly having an impact on every community they have been in. Today, they have a voting rights agenda, which impacts the human rights agenda. Depending on who you have representing you, it makes all the difference in the world, whether you’re poor, middle class or rich,” Huggins said. He also encouraged people who want to see progress and change, to go out and vote.
Huggins talked about being at the United Center during the Democratic National Committee Convention and the amount of energy in the room and the excitement that he experienced from the people there.
For more information about Black Men United, visit blackmenunitedusa.org.
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