Vice President Kamala Harris addressing the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ congregation on Sunday morning
On the final Sunday before election day, Vice President Kamala Harris touched down in Detroit to engage with the community and rally support one last time before the upcoming election. During her visit, she connected with voters by stopping at some of Detroit’s most iconic locations.
Starting on the west side of Detroit and stopping at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, she headed to the Avenue of Fashion, where Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles is. She ended her local tour at Pontiac’s Elam Barber Shop before heading to Lansing for the evening.
The stops served as more than photo ops but highlighted the importance of community, resilience, and grassroots efforts in this key battleground state. Her visit also highlighted local pride and her administration’s efforts to address pressing community issues.
Harris began her day with a ‘good ol’ feel-good church service at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, a cornerstone of the Detroit community and a symbol of unity and strength. The church, led by Bishop J. Drew Sheard, has long been a gathering place for African American residents and a pillar of spiritual guidance. Senior Pastor and First Lady Karen Clark Sheard fired up the church with the song ‘Secret Place.’
With worshippers and community leaders, including Debbie Stabenow, in attendance, Harris spoke of the church’s importance, emphasizing faith communities’ role in civic engagement and voter turnout.
“Growing up in the church, I learned that faith is a verb we show in our actions, in our deeds, in our service, and in our times when we may grow weary in doing good, but we must remember the plans the Lord has for us. And so today, as we look ahead to a moment that will define the very character of our nation, I do believe Jeremiah’s prophecy holds great urgency as a nation,” Harris said to the congregation.
“We face real challenges, we carry real burdens, we feel real pain, and we must remember that faith, combined with our actions, gives us power, the power to move past division and fear and chaos, the power to do justice, love, mercy and walk humbly with our God, and the power to fulfill The promise of America, the promise of freedom and opportunity, not just for some, but for all, a promise the Black church has understood and pursued for generations.”
Her visit emphasized the administration’s focus on expanding voting rights and access to polling stations, particularly in historically underserved areas. Harris spoke about recent initiatives to protect voter access and plans to support social services and housing, all aiming to empower communities that have long been overlooked.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaking with voters at Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles
Following her church visit, Harris made her way to Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles, a popular restaurant founded by former Detroit Lions Ron Bartell. Located in the historic Avenue of Fashion district, Kuzzo’s is known for its soul food and vibrant atmosphere, continuing to draw crowds.
Harris’s visit here was a nod to Detroit’s culinary pride and small business resilience. Kuzzo’s represents a thriving Black-owned business that has become an integral part of Detroit’s cultural landscape.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer greeted Harris warmly. Other local officials, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Director of Government Affairs Marshall Bullock, were in attendance. Patrons cheered, took selfies, and chatted briefly as she made her way to tables to meet and greet diners; VP Harris even took the time to taste the collard greens.
She discussed the importance of supporting small businesses and restaurants, many of which were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her conversations with diners focused on her administration’s plans to extend aid to locally owned businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, to revitalize the local economy.
As the afternoon continued, Harris’s last stop was Elam Barber Shop before heading to Lansing, another Detroit institution that has been a staple in the community for decades. Harris was welcomed by Roland Elam Sr. and his wife, Martha Roland, before the roundtable discussion with local leaders, including the owner of Elam Babrshop, Roland Elam Jr. Senator Gary Peters was also in attendance.
Vice President Kamala Harris greeting the Elam family and Gary Peters
Barber shops have long served as unofficial town halls in African American communities, where people gather to discuss local issues, national politics, and neighborhood news. Here, Harris engaged in candid conversations with local patrons, listening to their concerns and ideas.
Harris shared laughs and stories, creating a warm and personal connection with the patrons. They spoke about issues ranging from healthcare and education to criminal justice reform and policing. Harris addressed concerns regarding police reform efforts, sharing updates on national legislation and her administration’s ongoing focus on justice reform initiatives.
“I’m feeling great (about this election), and I’m looking forward to these next 48 hrs to continue to talk with voters and talk about the stakes and talk about the future of our country,” Harris said.
“Which is bright when we are working with the same spirit of building community, building coalition, and building the strength of our economy and our country.”
Harris’s Detroit visit was more than a campaign tour; it was a moment to celebrate community resilience and the vibrancy of Detroit’s culture. From the church to the restaurant and the barbershop, her stops were deliberately chosen to honor key elements of community life and showcase the administration’s alignment with Detroit’s values and concerns.
As election day quickly approaches, Harris’s last visit serves as a call to action. She is leaving Detroit with a message of unity and empowerment, encouraging every Detroiter to take pride in their city and make their voices heard.
With Michigan positioned as a critical hub for voter turnout, especially with record numbers of early voting, Harris’s visit could prove pivotal as she rallies a city known for its resilience and sense of community.
“Let us turn the page and write the next chapter of our history, a chapter grounded in a divine plan big enough to encompass all of our dreams, a divine plan strong enough to heal division, a divine plan bold enough to embrace possibilities God’s plan next Tuesday,” Harris said.