Recently on The WAOK Morning Show, special guest host Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler spoke with senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Host of The Jamal Bryant "Let's Be Clear" Podcast, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant about the critical role of the Black church in mobilizing voters and raising awareness about pressing community issues.
Dr. Bryant emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections, describing them as one of the most significant in recent history. He urged listeners to focus on policies that directly impact their lives, such as access to capital, healthcare, and education. He underscored the necessity of informed voting, stressing that understanding the stakes is essential for making impactful decisions.
A key event at New Birth is "Pink Dress Sunday," aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, which disproportionately affects African-American women. Dr. Bryant shared that this Sunday, the church will welcome a notable guest—the Vice President of the United States—who will participate in the event to show support for the cause.
During the interview, Dr. Bryant discussed the challenges of voter suppression, particularly in Georgia. He highlighted that recent efforts to limit voter access stem from a fear of the power of the Black vote, especially following high turnout in the 2020 elections. He argued that voting is a vital act of resistance against historical oppression and urged community members to remain engaged.
Addressing concerns about the potential lack of participation from younger voters, Dr. Bryant expressed optimism about their involvement. He mentioned that his daughter, a student at Spelman College, noted that her campus is mobilizing students to vote, suggesting a growing awareness among young people about their political influence.
Dr. Bryant also responded to narratives suggesting that Black men are disengaged from the political process. He argued that this demographic is often underrepresented in polling but emphasized that they have the potential to significantly impact the upcoming elections alongside the historically active Black women voters.
As the interview concluded, Dr. Bryant encouraged listeners to take their voting responsibilities seriously and to communicate the importance of participating in the electoral process to friends and family. He reinforced the message that every vote matters in shaping a more equitable future for the community.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.
