US Electoral 2016 Update: Trump Delivers Message of Unity to Detroit Black Church
Republican bet Donald Trump was welcomed by a warm audience inside the Great Faith Ministries in Detroit
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recently delivered a speech in front of the congregation of the Great Faith Ministries in Detroit. Trump spoke in front of an audience composed of African-American members of the church, saying he brings a message of unity. He also said that he plans to fix economic troubles under his administration to address members of the black community.
Trump's visit met by protesters
While Trump spoke inside the nondenominational church, protesters were outside the building. The protesters were there even before Trump and his team arrived. They protested Trump's speech and said that he was merely there to win over this voting bloc.
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Some protesters tried to move towards the gate of the church, but police blocked their way. President of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity Lawrence Glass told reporters and protesters in a conference that black voters will not become a medium to spread Trump's messages of fear and hate.
Protesters criticized Trump for not reaching out to African-Americans in their communities. They encouraged him to communicate or have a dialogue with them to prove his real intentions.
Trump's message of unity
Trump began his speech with a selfie which was requested by a church member. He even held a baby in one of the pictures taken before his speech.
Reading from a prepared speech, he called the African-American church as the "conscience of the country" and a gift of God to America. He mentioned that he was there to listen and to help people voice out their messages to the entire country.
He started by discussing his plans to improve the economy and education that would benefit members of the black communities. Although he did not exactly say what his plans are to improve the lives of people, he said that he is determined to do something and he will get it done.
He called for unity for a nation that is divided. He said that a civil rights agenda is the best course of action and then concluded his speech with a Bible passage from 1 John 4:12: "No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
Trump and the prayer shawl
Bishop Wayne Jackson draped a prayer shawl over Donald Trump after his speech. He gave him a Jewish Heritage Study Bible. Bishop Jackson mentioned that this shawl was from Israel and will protect Trump as he travels from coast to coast. It will also lift him and anoint him during times that he feels forsaken.
Trump concluded his trip by dancing and singing with the congregation. Later, the New York City real estate mogul accompanied Ben Carson to his hometown in Southwest Detroit. Carson, who was formerly Trump's primary rival, wanted to show Trump the areas that have improved since his childhood days.
Mixed opinions
Right after the Detroit event concluded, countless mixed opinions were raised online. There were speculations that Trump's speech and reactions were all scripted. There were doubts, too, that this could change the minds of black voters overnight.
Some also said that they saw an unexpected humility from Trump, but it could take a long time for perceptions of African-Americans to change.
