Photo Caption: Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist speaking with labor members
The Biden-Harris campaign recently introduced an exciting voter engagement initiative called “BBQs for Biden-Harris.” This initiative comes after the recent visits of President Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.
The inaugural “BBQs for Biden-Harris” event occurred in Detroit at Laborers’ Local 1191. It featured notable guest speakers such as Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, and Michigan Political Coalitions Director Marloshawn L. Franklin Sr. The gathering was filled with insightful discussions and seemingly enthusiastic support for the Biden-Harris campaign, around free food from local food vendors serving up ribs, hot dogs, chicken with sides of coleslaw, and mac and cheese.
“So everybody in Michigan is either in one or two categories. Either you are part of the labor movement or love somebody who’s part of the labor movement. And I’m going to tell you what I support. That means that the labor movement is connected to everyone in Michigan. And so the opportunity to talk to every single person about voting in Michigan that starts with the labor movement, the reason we’re doing the first barbecues, with Biden, here with the laborers, is because we recognize that this is the foundation of the power that is possible from this movement here in Michigan” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said.
BBQs for Biden-Harris is a grassroots initiative designed to engage and connect with voters across Michigan. Through the universal appeal of delicious barbecue, vibrant music, and enjoyable activities, the campaign aims to underscore the importance of the upcoming 2024 election and encourage active participation in the democratic process.
How do Detroiters feel about these events leading up to the election?
Detroit resident Beulah Walker, a Labor’s local 911 road worker, highlighted the importance of voting to honor the sacrifices made by her elders who migrated to the US to secure liberties and freedoms. She also highlighted the significance of voting to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard.
“I’m always excited about voting. I don’t miss any elections. If I weren’t working, I would volunteer at the polls, but I would do it as usual, telling my family, friends, and neighbors that voting is very important,” Walker said. “We have to vote to keep programs going and grants for different organizations that lobby and rally for workforce development. SER Metro is one of my favorite workforce development programs. John Conyers introduced me to Job Corps. Job Corps is instrumental here, especially in Detroit, because we are an industrialized state.”
Photo Caption: Detroit residents and laborers
What are other Detroiters’ concerns and voting priorities?
A gentleman from Detroit was eager to emphasize that artificial intelligence (AI) was his top priority.
“I want somebody who will regulate AI because I think it might get out of hand. Politicians talking about regulating it, controlling it, and protecting us is what I want to hear, “an unnamed Detroit resident said.
The campaign aims to establish meaningful connections with voters in a relaxed and interactive manner, initiating conversations and garnering support for the Biden-Harris ticket.
“You can DM, email, grab three or four or five people, and touch them every day until the end of this election because the folks in this room touch people who touch people who touch people. I want to continue to let you know this is just the first barbecue. We will be in different communities throughout the state doing the same thing,” Michigan Political Coalitions Director Marloshawn L. Franklin Sr said.