Groups come together to host march to the polls
On Saturday, Nov. 3, a coalition of faith and social justice groups, including First Baptist Church (Highland Ave.), the Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity, Democracy NC and Working America came together to host a rally and march to the polls.
Before marching to the Forsyth County Board of Elections, 201 N. Chestnut St., more than two dozen citizens gathered at First Baptist Church to create signs and discuss the march while enjoying breakfast. During the rally Bishop Todd Fulton, president of the MCWSV’s social justice committee, delivered a moving address to encourage citizens before heading to the polls.
“You have to understand that people lost their lives so we as African-Americans could vote. This is for the millennials and Generation X, the Baby Boomers and beyond, go to them and say we need to get off the sideline and vote,” said Fulton. “…There are 71,000 African-American voters in Forsyth County, we’re well able to take Forsyth County. Meeting at First Baptist is fine, but we have to move from this room, we have to go to the hood, we have to knock on some doors by Tuesday and tell our brothers and sisters they need to vote.”
Rev. Paul Ford, pastor of First Baptist Church, inspired voters during the rally as well. Ford also encouraged citizens to vote against the six amendments included on the ballot and for the city bond projects.
“Don’t be fooled and make sure that you nix all six. Here’s another thing – we need to hi-five all of the bonds that are on the ballot because those bonds are going to help with a number of things, including surplus financial resources for our schools here in Forsyth County, “said Ford. “…45 percent of the resources from those bonds will be invested in projects and communities like East Winston that will help minority communities.”
Others speakers during the rally included Linda Sutton, a local organizer with Democracy NC, and Catherine Medlock-Walton with Working America.
Following the rally, citizens grabbed their signs and made their way to Forsyth County Board of Elections. Although many of the participants in the rally and march had already cast their ballots, many said they were there to support other voters.
“I’m here to encourage other voters. I’ve already voted, but it’s important that we educate others on the importance of this election,” said one rally participant. “Like Bishop Fulton said, we can make a difference.”
