At the Freedom Rising Conference, faith leaders convened to address the perceived threat to democracy posed by the Trump administration. Despite facing personal struggles, such as Latosha Brown’s grief over losing her child, speakers like her emphasized the importance of confronting the current political climate with honesty and resilience.
Organized by Reverend Jacqui Lewis, the conference focused on the 2024 elections and the urgency of countering what they saw as an existential threat to democracy represented by Trump and his supporters.
Brown, a co-founder of Black Voters Matter, highlighted the organization’s crucial role in driving Black voter turnout in pivotal states like Georgia during the 2020 elections.
She emphasized the need to acknowledge the darkness of the current political moment while also recognizing the potential for grassroots movements to serve as guiding lights toward a better future. Despite challenges, including skepticism among some demographics about Biden, Brown underscored the strategic importance of voting as a tool for long-term empowerment and change.
Jacqui Lewis (Credits: The New York Times)
Deth Im, from the nonprofit Faith in Action, shared lessons learned from past activism, including the significant increase in Black voter turnout in Ferguson following community organizing efforts. He stressed the importance of combining protest with electoral participation, emphasizing that both are essential components of effecting meaningful change.
Black Voters Matter’s approach to electoral engagement involves substantial investment in local organizations, aiming to foster enduring community connections beyond just election cycles.
The conference attendees were unified in their determination to defeat Trump in the upcoming election. However, they also emphasized that electoral victory alone is insufficient to address the broader social and political challenges they seek to overcome.
They advocated for a multifaceted approach that includes grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and ongoing activism to address issues ranging from racial injustice to climate change. Regardless of election outcomes, they pledged to continue fighting for a more just and equitable society.
In conclusion, the Freedom Rising Conference served as a platform for faith leaders and activists to confront the pressing threats to democracy and advocate for a comprehensive approach to social and political change. While recognizing the significance of electoral participation, they underscored the need for sustained grassroots organizing and activism to address systemic injustices and advance their vision of a more inclusive society.
