Black pastors rally in D.C. for substance over symbolism
In a show of solidarity, Black pastors and congregations, led by Dr. Delman Coates and Dr. Willie Francois III, will rally in Washington, D.C., on September 17, outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters and the offices of Third Way. The rally, themed "Substance Over Symbolism," aims to bring attention to basic economic rights that have long been part of the civil rights agenda.
Dr. Coates, Senior Pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland, and a founding member of the Black Church Center for Justice & Equality, emphasized the need for concrete action. "For too long, the Black community has settled for symbolism rather than demanding substance," Dr. Coates stated. "The Black Church must show up to dispel the narrative that this is not what the Black community wants and what America needs."
Dr. Francois, Senior Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey, and Second Vice President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, echoed Dr. Coates, highlighting the historical support for progressive policies. "The agenda advanced by the insurgent populists has a long history of deep support in the Black community, going back to the Freedom Budget," Dr. Francois said. "It is time we dare to demand substance over symbolism."
The rally calls for the passage of several key policies: - A Federal Job Guarantee - Universal Health Care / Medicare for All - Universal Pre-K - Fully Funded K–12 Schools - Tuition-Free Public College - Universal Affordable Housing - Voting Rights Protections through the For the People Act
The event is set to take place in two parts: the first from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at DNC Headquarters, 430 South Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003, and the second from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Third Way, 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. The public, faith leaders, and like-minded organizations are invited to attend.
"The Black Church Center for Justice & Equality was founded in 2013 by Dr. Delman Coates and is based in Washington, D.C., as a 501(c)(3) organization that reaffirms the social justice tradition of the Black Church and amplifies the voices of progressive African American faith leaders," said Dr. Coates. The organization equips pastors and congregations with tools for public policy advocacy and civic action.
The rally comes in response to claims by party institutions that the progressive populist agenda is out of step with the Black community. However, the coalition argues that these policies have always been in line with the civil rights movement's economic justice agenda.