Kamala Harris understands Detroit in a way that not many do. Her ability to connect with the people, to truly meet them where they are, is what sets her apart. Detroit isn’t a city that responds to flashy campaign promises or empty rhetoric. This city requires authenticity. Harris knows that, and her decision to sit down with Charlamagne Tha God on Tuesday evening here in the heart of Detroit was intentional. It’s about sincerity, connection, and having real conversations with real people. For Harris, there is no better way to reach the people of Detroit than to show up with purpose.
At Cred Café, a Black-owned café and speakeasy, nearly 100 special guests gathered for an exclusive taping of her conversation with Charlamagne. Harris wasn’t there to merely make an appearance. She surprised the crowd with her arrival, engaging directly with those in attendance. Among the guests were Detroit’s own Tommy Walker and Sean Williams, the founders of Detroit vs Everybody. They unveiled a new “Kamala for Everybody” t-shirt, marking the collaboration with the vice president as a show of solidarity and mutual respect. Detroit was giving Harris its full support, and she was pouring right back into the city.
Harris spoke with intention, addressing the challenges Black Americans face and, more specifically, the issues that matter to Detroiters. “I grew up in the Black church,” she shared. “It’s where I learned about lifting each other up, about standing in community. And that’s what I see here in Detroit. A community that lifts one another up, that stands strong even in the face of adversity.” Her words carried the weight of someone who understands the struggles of Black communities firsthand.
The conversation with Charlamagne touched on several pressing topics: lowering costs, strengthening the economy, criminal justice reform, expanding access to healthcare, and protecting civil rights. But Harris didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room—Donald Trump. She directly called out the former president, condemning his recent stunt, where he expressed disdain for Detroit, saying he didn’t want the rest of the country to become like Detroit—Black. Trump’s words, laced with disdain for the city and its majority Black population, only highlighted his disconnection from reality.
Detroit knows what it means to fight for rights and to defend hard-won victories. Harris made it clear that her commitment to standing with the city wasn’t just talk. “This man is weak,” she said of Trump. “It’s a sign of weakness when you try to please dictators, seek their flattery and favor, and demean America’s military. It’s a sign of weakness when you don’t have the courage to stand up for the Constitution.” Her words were firm, resonating with the crowd, who applauded her for standing up for Detroit and for Black America as a whole.
During the town hall, Charlamagne Tha God challenged Harris on whether people were truly prepared for Trump’s attempts to undermine democracy. He asked why more wasn’t being done to address the real possibility of election interference. Harris responded with clarity. “It will be a free and fair election if we, the American people, stand up for that,” she said. “Democracy is fragile. It will only be as strong as our willingness to fight for it.”
Harris’ conversation wasn’t just about politics—it was deeply personal. She spoke about her own journey and her connection to the Black church, highlighting the contrast between her upbringing and Trump’s disingenuous attempts to appeal to the Black community. “He’s out here selling $60 Bibles and tennis shoes like that makes him more understanding of Black people. Come on,” Harris remarked, drawing laughter from the crowd. The humor aside, her point was serious—Trump’s performative attempts to connect with Black voters only further revealed his lack of sincerity.
Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr., a prominent figure in Detroit, was among the guests at the event. When Harris mentioned her Black church roots, he responded, “That’s church.” His affirmation underscored the connection Harris has with the community. She wasn’t an outsider looking in—she was someone who had walked the walk and understood the significance of faith, leadership, and community in shaping lives.
Harris promised to continue working closely with the Black church, not just in fellowship but in action. “We share in what we can do together that is about supporting the community, the strength of the community, the cohesion of the community,” she said. Her long-standing work with church leaders has been a cornerstone of her public service, and she reaffirmed her commitment to that partnership going forward.
The crowd at Cred Café knew that Harris wasn’t just there for a photo op. She was there to have real conversations and to listen. “Detroit pours into you,” she said. “You don’t get this kind of love anywhere else.” And for the people in the room, it was clear that this wasn’t just another campaign stop. This was about a leader who understands what Detroit stands for—a city that has been through it all and continues to stand tall.
Harris left Cred Café with more than just the support of Detroiters. She left with a deeper bond between herself and the city. The unveiling of the “Kamala for Everybody” t-shirt wasn’t a simple a symbolic gesture but at its core it was a statement. A declaration that Detroit, with all its resilience, strength, and pride, stands with Kamala Harris. And in return, Harris stands with Detroit, committed to fighting for the community, for justice, and for the future of Black America.
As she exited the café, the connection she built with the people of Detroit felt undeniable. Trump’s recent comments about Detroit only solidified the divide between him and the city, while Harris’ presence and message resonated deeply. Detroit is Black, Detroit is strong, and Kamala Harris is ready to fight for that strength.
For the people of Detroit, Harris is someone who sees the city for what it truly is—a symbol of resilience, determination, and unity. She understands the challenges, but more importantly, she understands the people. And that is what Detroit requires: a true connection.
In the words of Tommy Walker, “Detroit vs Everybody,” and with Kamala Harris on their side, Detroit is ready for the fight ahead.
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