Our Director of Black Voter Engagement, Rev. Dr. Michael Waters, was a chief architect of this project. He’s the pastor of Abundant Life African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dallas, and he knows the critical importance of turning out faith voters in this election.
He also knows that Republicans are working mightily to suppress Black votes and ensure that Black communities stay home on November 3. Redistricting across the South has purposely broken up majority-Black districts.
Rev. Dr. Waters envisioned — and helped us build — a tour that touches those districts, those communities. From North Carolina to Alabama to Tennessee, we need to let people know their voices and votes still matter.
On this ride, we’re joined by Faith Out Loud, led by Rev. Traci Blackmon, as well as other partner organizations. We’re going to be sharing music, art, and stories as we go.
Decades have passed since the original Freedom Ride, but racial injustice persists. Threats to democratic representation persist. And people of conscience, people of faith, people who stand up for what is right — we too persist.
.png "A photo of the 1960s-era bus Vote Common Good is taking on The Ride.")
.png "An image of the original Freedom Riders and their booking shots upon arrest in 1961.")