MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As one of Memphis' oldest and largest Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) churches, Greenwood CME Church has been a driving force for Shelby County voters, fostering engagement and mobilization.
Greenwood CME has long been a pillar of hope within the community, working to inspire and mobilize voters in Memphis for decades. Recently, they provided rides to senior citizens during early voting.
Pastor Walter Brown, Jr., Bishop Marvin Thomas and other CME members shared their preparations for the important day ahead.
"We have been reaching out to our congregations, sending out communications, and encouraging collective prayer for the election every Sunday," said Bishop Thomas, the presiding bishop of the Second Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Pastor Brown and his team are preparing for Election Day, ready to embrace their role after a hiatus from polling activities.
"I have great expectations," he said. "One of the complaints was that the library was small and there wasn't much parking. But here at Greenwood, we have plenty of parking and space for people to be comfortable as they enter and exit the building."
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on those communities that have often been overlooked.
"We really wanted to reach out to our seniors," said Portia Hagler, a Greenwood Church Member and a member of the election commission since 2017. " We know that they have been limited mobility. You know, a lot of them have not voted in a while because they couldn't get to the polls."
"Get out and vote even when you don't want to. It's about sacrificing for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren so that they could have the kind of future we envision for them, Bishop Thomas said.
Greenwood will also have greeters and volunteers available on Election Day. It is expected to rain, but like many polling places, there will be areas in the church to keep everyone dry. Remember to double-check your polling location if you plan to cast your vote on Election Day.