Rock the vote (literally): Pastor preaches the gospel of voting at a go-go club. [View all]

Source: USA Today

Published 5:14 a.m. ET Oct. 15, 2024 | Updated 5:14 p.m. ET Oct. 15, 2024


CAMP SPRINGS, Maryland ‒ It was nearly 2 a.m. Saturday. The go-go band was about to start its next set when Tony Lee got the nod – it was time to go on. Lee worked his way through the crowd waiting for Rare Essence, a favorite local group, to pump up the music again. The guitar player introduced their special guest.

The pastor took the mic. “Look, I came out here to holler at ya’ll ‘cause ya’ll know there’s an election coming up and I just want to make sure y’all understand your voice matters and your vote matters and you are important,’’ Lee told them. “Anybody know that in the house?’’ The clubgoers cheered.

In what was almost a mix of preaching and rapping, Lee went on to urge the crowd to register, to vote. “Voting isn’t just about what happens in the White House,’’ he continued. “Voting impacts what’s happening in the State House, in the courthouse, in the schoolhouse, in the jailhouse, in the traphouse and at your house.’’ He ended with, “God bless ya’ll!”

Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME Church in Suitland, Maryland, was no stranger to the go-go club scene in the Washington, D.C., metro area. He had visited in the past to set up HIV testing, talk about reducing gun violence and invite folks to his church. But last Saturday's stop was part of a whirlwind campaign to hit dozens of Maryland clubs in the weeks leading up to Election Day.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/15/pastor-voter-registration-drive-club/75675866007/