With Michigan standing at the center of the national political landscape just one week before critical midterm elections, local leaders and national figures are gathering on Detroit’s West Side for a high-energy community rally aimed at driving civic engagement and voter turnout.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, nonprofit community organization Dream of Detroit will host “The Fierce Urgency of Now: Turn Up & Turn Out The Vote!” at Fellowship Chapel, located at 7707 W. Outer Drive. Starting at 6:00 p.m., the nonpartisan gathering brings together elected officials, faith leaders, grassroots advocates, and cultural icons to showcase the strength of community action and democracy.
Comedian, radio host, and television personality D.L. Hughley will host the event, leading an influential lineup that blends political leadership with grassroots advocacy. Highlighted speakers include U.S. Senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.
Joining them are New York City Councilman Dr. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, Chicago’s Pastor Otis Moss III (Trinity United Church of Christ), Dr. Rami Nashashibi (IMAN Chicago), and Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care Moore. The event will also feature live performances by two-time Grammy Award–winning hip-hop group Arrested Development.
Organizers say that the gathering is designed to address issues directly impacting everyday Detroiters and that it serves as a platform to demand fully funded neighborhood schools, safe community spaces, and protections for local churches, mosques, and community centers that perform vital social services.
There is also a U.S. Senate Candidate Forum planned, but Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers has not yet confirmed his attendance, organizers said.
The program also incorporates broad interfaith and civic support, featuring Rev. Wendell Anthony Jr. (Pastor of Fellowship Chapel and President of the Detroit NAACP), Rabbi Alana Alpert (Detroit Jews for Justice), Imam Makram El-Amin, Minister Troy Muhammad, Detroit City Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, and local mayors including Benton Harbor’s Marcus Muhammad and Ypsilanti’s Nicole Brown.
“This event is about bringing Detroiters together to celebrate our collective voice and power,” organizers noted in a press statement. “It is a non-partisan space dedicated to making sure our neighborhoods are protected and our institutions can continue their work of service without fear.”
Michigan remains a pivotal battleground state where voter turnout in Detroit is expected to play a decisive role in key local, state, and national races.
Event Details:
- Event: The Fierce Urgency of Now: Turn Up & Turn Out The Vote!
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00 PM ET
- Location: Fellowship Chapel, 7707 W. Outer Dr., Detroit, MI 48235
- Registration & Info: Free and open to the public; registration available at bit.ly/fierceurgencyGOTV.