MEMPHIS, Tenn. — U.S. Sen. Cory Booker spent part of the weekend in Memphis.
On Sunday, Booker spoke with members at First Baptist Broad.
“Churches have always been the bedrock of the African-American community. If you want to connect with the African-American community on issues, not candidates; this is the right place to be,” Booker said.
The Democrat from New Jersey is in Memphis to raise funds for state Democrats and raise awareness for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. But for the few moments he had the microphone, Booker spoke passionately about voting rights, prison reform and relationships between police officers and African-Americans.
“I tell you right now with anguish in my heart, I see what’s happening around our country,” Booker said to the congregation.
“How often is it that a national figure, one of the few most powerful men in the nation, stops by to hear concerns and let them know someone is listening,” First Baptist Broad pastor Keith Norman said.
Norman said issues addressed in Sunday’s service won’t just stay here. He hopes the conversation continues on a national platform and pointed out that the problems people have in Memphis, they have all over the country.
“It says in our pledge of allegiance, this idea of indivisibility. If you hurt somebody in our country, everybody gets hurt. If you elevate people, we all rise together,” Booker said.
In a place where people hug strangers like family, it was that idea of togetherness that rallied the congregation.
“If we stand with that power, if we stand with that conviction, if we stand with that force, we can change this country to what it should be: a place where justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream,” Booker said.
This is not Booker’s first time visiting Memphis. His brother, Cary Booker, is a local charter school administrator.
