DETROIT, MI (July 8, 2020) - On Friday, July 10, 2020, at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, a new, far-reaching trilogy will hold a press conference at 9:30 a.m., to both acknowledge the reopening of the museum amid the pandemic and to announce a collaboration between three prominent Detroit organizations: the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Occupy the Corner Detroit and The Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, Inc. Invited guests include Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, City Clerk Janice Winfrey, and others.
As part of this Vote Detroit! Coalition, each partner will, for the foreseeable future, collectively promote their broader outreach, contributions, and capacity to empower and encourage Detroiters to vote and to complete the 2020 Census. While each segment of the various constituents has been long-standing and effective in their respective efforts, it has been determined how much stronger, smarter, and more impactful they can be, when working together.
Throughout the Summer months, Occupy the Corner Detroit events will serve as the organizing activity, holding events every other Friday evening, in an effort to continuously drive the overall message and action toward voting. The Wright Museum will serve as a voter registration location each Sunday as Council of Baptist Pastors members encourages congregations to get registered to vote!
In preparation for the August primary and November election, there will be events held in September and October. Some will be held digitally using Zoom, Instagram, and Facebook, while others will be held outdoors utilizing social distancing protocols.
Voting affects every aspect of a person’s life and for far too long, people have let this power sit dormant. The Vote Detroit! Coalition will inform Detroiters, from a historical perspective, on how to avoid efforts designed to suppress their vote and mobilize them through increased registration and coordinated efforts in getting to the polls.
Collaborative Members of the Trilogy:
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has a rich legacy and is one of the nation’s most prestigious museums. Led by CEO and President Neil Barclay, they are re-opening to revive programs, tours, and memberships. The Wright Museum was established in 1965 and is the second largest museum of its kind in the world. Website: www.thewright.org
Occupy the Corner Detroit is an organization created to engage Detroiters by connecting them to needed resources on multiple levels. Founded and organized under the direction of Councilmember Mary Sheffield, Pro Tem, it has helped provide resources to various communities over the past six years. Website: www.whenweallvote.org
The Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, Inc. is a faith-based organization that comprises and influences hundreds of churches and clergy leaders throughout Detroit and vicinity. It has been respected for 55 years as a leadership sanctioning body addressing diverse issues. Under the leadership of President Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr. it has renewed focus on voting and community engagement, as well as coalition building with various organizations throughout our region. Website: www.detroitbaptistcouncil.org
Contact:
Edward Foxworth, III, Director of External Affairs
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History