‘Lift Every Voice and Vote’ Rallies Faith Community as Detroit Goes to the Polls

November 4, 2025

A grassroots organization called Lift Every Voice and Vote Detroit (LEVV) is working to increase voter turnout in Detroit by mobilizing faith communities and church congregations. The coalition, backed by the National Black Empowerment Council, organized concerts featuring gospel singer Shirley Murdock at seven churches over the weekend before Election Day to energize voters. Leaders emphasized that Detroit's historically low turnout rate of 17% in the August primary diminishes the city's political influence on issues critical to Black communities, including public safety, education, and programs like SNAP benefits.

Who is affected

Approximately 500,000 registered voters who are residents of Detroit
Church members and congregations at Hartford Memorial, Citadel of Praise, Greater Grace, Second Ebenezer, Martin Evers, Nazarene, and Great Faith churches
Up to 40% of Detroit residents who receive SNAP benefits (potentially 1.4 million people in Michigan facing loss of food assistance)
Younger voters targeted by the coalition's outreach efforts
Black communities and the African American faith community
Pastors, volunteers, and political operators involved in the coalition

What action is being taken

LEVV employees are working out of the organization's west side office to make civic engagement more accessible through local faith communities
The coalition is organizing "Pews to the Poll" concert series featuring gospel legend Shirley Murdock at seven churches
Pastors, volunteers, and coalition members are actively working to boost voter turnout through church networks

Why it matters

Detroit's 17% voter turnout rate from the August primary means the city gets overlooked politically on a larger scale, diminishing its influence on critical policy issues. Low civic participation threatens the political power needed to address issues of paramount importance to Black communities, including public safety, education, economic empowerment, and family restoration. The stakes are particularly high given that up to 40% of Detroit residents receive SNAP benefits that are currently under threat, demonstrating how electoral participation directly impacts access to essential services. Faith communities represent a historically significant institution within the African American community that can serve as an effective vehicle for increasing civic engagement and ensuring community needs are taken seriously by elected officials.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle