Equal Ground Education Fund launches a series of Central Florida Souls to the Polls: Park and Praise Edition events for the Primary election.
Black churches are more than spiritual gathering places, they are power centers within
the black community. Dr. King and Malcolm X used churches as mobilization centers in their attempts to equip African Americans with political information and the frame of mind needed for political change. When combining the various roles of the black church, over time, the church has gained leverage within the community and this leverage has translated into the church having political power.
Since the enforcement of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Black churches have always played a pivotal role in the electoral process and policy changes. During the Civil Rights Movement, Sunday morning pulpits were preachers’ soapboxes to commingle God’s word with inspiration and information regarding civil rights initiatives, including rights and privileges guaranteed by that law. The Black church is too powerful an institution to be taken for granted or underestimated. The Black church equals Black power.
Unlike past Souls to the Polls events and in order to stay within CDC guidelines attendees will be able to participate in the events from the comfort of their own vehicles by dropping off their vote by mail ballot at some event locations while they hear from local faith and community leaders, musical entertainment and candidate drop-ins are welcome.
Details:
Volusia County
Saturday, August 15th | 12:00pm-4:00pm
DerbyShire Park
849 DerbyShire Rd
Daytona Beach, FL 32117
Bookpacks and school supplies will be given away
Event Partners: Pastor John Paul McGee and Hope Fellowship Church, Minority Elected Officials of Volusia County, MontesGrimes Law Firm , MLK Celebration for FL Inc., Victories Life Ministries, Community Churches
Contact Mario Davis at mario@equalgroundeducation.com
Seminole County
Saturday, August 15th | 4:00pm-6:00pm
Downtown Sanford Civic Center
401 E. Seminole Blvd
Sanford, FL 32117
*We will be collecting voter registration forms at the Voice Your Vote Back to School Jam powered by State Senator Randolph Bracy featuring musical artists Cece Teneal and Yoshi. School supplies and backpacks will be given away
Contact Monisha Perkins at monisha@equalgroundeducation.com
Orange County
Sunday, August 16th | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Tinker Field
287 S. Tampa Ave
Orlando, FL 32805
Vote by mail ballot drop-off will be available
In partnership with Commissioner Regina Hill and the African American Council of Christian Clergy
Contact Monisha Perkins at monisha@equalgroundeducation.com
Pinellas County
Sunday, August 16th | 3:00pm-6:00pm
Bethel Community Baptist Church
2901 54th Ave S
Saint Petersburg, FL 33712
Vote by mail ballot drop-off will be available
In partnership with the Gathering of Pastors, Bethel Community Church & Bishop Manuel Sykes, Mt. Zion Progressive Baptist Church & Pastor Louis Murphy, Today’s Church Tampa Bay & Dr. Doral R. Pulley, Historic Bethel AME Church & Pastor Ken Irby, Christ Gospel Church & Bishop Preston Leonard
Contact Vaughn Beal at vaughn@equalgroundeducation.com