Biden skipped visiting a Black church on his recent Michigan trip, angering some community leaders
in

Biden’s Omission of Black Church Visit on Michigan Trip Sparks Discontent Among Community Leaders

SAGINAW, Mich. – Last week, President Joe Biden made a trip to Michigan. His goal was to strengthen his connection with Black voters. This move was also a strategy to counter the backlash from his administration’s firm support for Israel, which has not sat well with some Muslim communities in this pivotal swing state.

However, the visit left some African American leaders feeling overlooked. They expressed disappointment that Biden did not engage with more prominent members of the Black community in Saginaw. This city, located northwest of Detroit, is a key political battleground in Michigan, where 46% of the population is Black.

The original plan for Biden’s visit included a stop at a Black church. This venue was chosen as a gathering place for union workers, Black community leaders, college students, and other important supporters. They were expected to mobilize and canvass for Biden after the event.

Instead, the President chose to visit the front porch of two local leaders, both of whom are white. He also met with a Black family at a public golf course.

Hurley Coleman Jr., a respected pastor in Saginaw and a strong supporter of Biden, described the visit as a missed opportunity. He felt the campaign could have made a more genuine effort to connect with the community. Coleman Jr. emphasized the need for such engagement to happen sooner rather than later, expressing disappointment over the unmet expectations.

This oversight could have significant implications for Biden, especially at a time when his political standing is fragile. Concerns are growing among his allies about the dissatisfaction among Michigan’s large Arab American community due to the conflict in Gaza. Moreover, Biden’s support among Black adults has seen a decline since he took office. The Trump campaign is optimistic about swaying parts of this crucial Democratic demographic in the upcoming November election.

In the 2020 presidential election, Biden received support from 91% of Black voters. However, a recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows his approval rating among Black adults has dropped to 58%.

Pamela Pugh, President of the State Board of Education and a resident of Saginaw, voiced concerns that Black and faith-based leaders missed a valuable opportunity for dialogue. She highlighted the need for more inclusive and engaging conversations.

Pugh, who is also a Democrat running for a U.S. House seat in Saginaw’s district, felt that Biden’s visit was a slight to the Black community. She pointed out that his visit seemed intended to connect with communities of color.

Questions about the visit were directed to community leaders and attendees of Biden’s events, as well as to the Michigan Democratic Party. Lavora Barnes, the state party chair, praised Biden’s authenticity and enthusiasm during his visit to Saginaw.

Dr. Craig Tatum, senior pastor at Saginaw’s New Life Baptist Church Ministries, shared that his church was initially considered for Biden’s visit. While the plans changed, Tatum took pride in the recognition.

Saginaw, with its significant number of Black and union-affiliated voters, is a Democratic stronghold. However, it is surrounded by predominantly Republican areas. The city has alternated its support between presidential candidates in the last four elections.

Biden engaged with supporters at the home of Councilman Bill Ostash and school board leader Kevin Rooker. He then met with Saginaw resident Hurley Coleman III and his son at a local public golf course.

Brandell Adams, a trustee from a township near Saginaw, described his interaction with Biden as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, he acknowledged the disappointment among some community members who felt that more Black leaders should have been included.

Coleman III and his son had planned to play golf with Biden, but rain forced them to meet indoors. A video of their meeting has been viewed over a million times on TikTok.

Coleman III discussed the challenges of raising a Black family in the community with Biden. He appreciated the efforts made but believed more could be done to include missed voices.

This visit underscores the importance of genuine engagement with diverse communities, especially in politically significant areas. Biden’s campaign may need to revisit its approach to ensure broader inclusion and dialogue in future engagements.