- Donald Trump
« Sept. 3,
2016
Remarks
at
Great Faith International Ministries in Detroit
September 3, 2016
“Well, that’s so nice. And, Bishop Jackson, I want to thank you and Dr. Jackson and you have some voice, I have to say. Incredible. And some spirit, some spirit. Talent.
“Thank you. Well, I just wrote this the other day knowing I’d be here. And, I mean it from the heart and I’d like to just read it and I think you’ll understand it maybe better than I do in certain ways.
“For centuries, the African-American church has been the conscience of our country. So true. It’s from the pews and pulpits and Christian teachings of black churches all across this land that the Civil Rights movement lifted up its soul and lifted up the soul of our nation. It’s from these pews that our nation has been inspired toward a better moral character, a deeper concern for mankind, and spirit of charity and unity that binds us all together. And we’re bound together and I see that today. This has been an amazing day for me.
“The African-American faith community has been one of God’s greatest gifts to America and to its people. There is perhaps no action our leaders can take that would do more to heal our country and support our people than to provide a greater platform to the Black churches and church-goers. You do right everyday by your community and your families. You raise children in the Light of God; I will always support your church, always. And defend your right to worship . . . so important.
“I am here today to listen to your message and I hope that my presence here will also help your voice to reach new audiences in our country and many of these audiences desperately need your spirit and your thought. I can tell you that.
“Christian faith is not the past but the present and the future. Make it stronger. And we’ll open it up to great, great leaders like Pastor Jackson, Bishop Jackson, Dr. Jackson, and so many others. And so many others actually sitting here. Darrell Scott, who is phenomenal, who has been with me for so long. So long. Omrosea, who is a very nice person and I don’t want to say that. Because I’ll destroy her image by saying that. She’s actually a very, very fine person and pastor. And I want to thank all the folks and there is somebody that’s been very special to me, Dr. Ben Carson who’s been . . . Stand up, Ben. Come here, come here. Come here, Ben. This is a great man and great guy.
“So, as I prepare to campaign all across the nation, and in every community, I will have an opportunity to lay out my plans for economic change. Which will be so good for Detroit and so good for this community because we’re going to bring jobs back. I will have a chance . . . Thank you. We’re bringing them back. We’re taking them from Mexico and everywhere else because they’re gone.
“I will have a chance to discuss school choice. Its very important. And how to put every American on the ladder of success. A great education, a great job. But today, I just want to let you know that I am here to listen to you and I have been doing that. And we had a fantastic interview with Bishop Jackson. It was really an amazing interview. He is better than the people who do that professionally. I will tell you. It’s true. It’s true. It’s true. He’s better.
“And I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I didn’t know. Is this going to be nice? Is this going to be wild? He’s a great gentleman and a very smart guy. I just hope you don’t lose him to Hollywood. That’s the only problem. And especially, and especially Dr. Jackson, she may be gone. Hollywood is calling. Look at all those television cameras back there. Look at all the television cameras. I’m sorry to do that to you, Bishop. Because, it’s just one of those things, right?
“Our nation is too divided. We talk past each other, not to each other and those who seek office do not do enough to step into the community and learn what is going on. They don’t know. They have no clue. I’m here today to learn. So that we can together remedy injustice, in any form. And so that we can also remedy economics so that the African-American community can benefit economically through jobs and income and so many other different ways.
“Our political system has failed the people and works only to enrich itself. I want to reform that system so that it works for you, everyone in this room. I believe true reform can only come from outside the system. I really mean that. Being a businessman is much different than being a politician because I understand what is happening. And we are going outside the establishment.
“Becoming the nominee of the Party of Abraham Lincoln — a lot of people don’t realize that Abraham Lincoln, the great Abraham Lincoln was a Republican — has been the greatest honor of my life. It is on his legacy that I hope to build the future of the Party but more important the future of the country and the community.
“I believe that we need a Civil Rights agenda for our time. One that ensures the rights to a great education — so important — and the right to live in safety and in peace and to have a really, really great job. A good paying job and one that you love going to every morning. That can happen. We need to bring our companies back.
“It also means the right to have a government that protects our works and fights, really fights for our jobs. I want to help you build and rebuild Detroit. And we can do that especially with people like Bishop Jackson and Dr. Jackson. I mean that. It’s been an amazing experience. It’s been an amazing experience. Really.
“Nothing is more sad than when we sideline young black men with unfulfilled potential, tremendous potential. I met some people this morning that are incredible people and they’re looking for jobs. These are incredible people . . . young people. Our whole country loses out when we’re unable to harness the brilliance and the energy of these folks
“We’re one nation and when anyone hurts, we all hurt together. That is so true. So true.
“We’re all brothers and sisters and we’re all created by the same God. We must love each other and support each other and we are in this all together. All together.
“I fully understand that the African-American community has suffered from discrimination and that there are many wrongs that must still be made right and they will be right. I want America prosperous for everyone. I want to make this city the economic envy of the world and we can do that. We can do that again.
“Factories everywhere, new roads and bridges, new schools — especially schools — and new hope.
"I have been so greatly blessed, and in so many ways, with no greater blessing than my family. I’ve had a great family.
“Nothing would make me happier and more fulfilled than to use what I have learned in business and in traveling all over the world — I’ve sort of seen a lot — to bring the wealth and prosperity and opportunity to those who have not had these opportunities before. And that’s many, many people in Detroit.
“When I see wages falling, people out of work, I know the hardships this inflicts and I am determined to do something about it. I will do something about it. I do get things done, I will tell you. Some people have strengths, that’s one of my strengths, I get things done. I’m going to get things done for you.
“Please know this, for any who are hurting, things are going to turn around.Tomorrow will be better. Much better. The Pastor and I were talking about, riding up the street, how we see all those closed stores and people sitting down on the sidewalk, and no jobs, and no activity. We’ll get it turned around. We’ll get it turned around, Pastor. Believe me.
“We’re going to win again as a country and we’re going to win again for all of our people. I want to work with you to renew the bonds of trust between citizens and the bonds of faith that make our nation strong. America has been lifted out of many of its most difficult hours through the miracle of faith and through people like Bishop Jackson and Dr. Jackson. So important. People have no idea how important they are.
“Now, in these hard times for our country, let us turn again to our Christian heritage to lift up the soul of our nation. I am so deeply grateful to be here today and it is my prayer that the America of tomorrow — and I mean that — that the America oftomorrow will be one of unity, togetherness, and peace. And perhaps we can add the word prosperity. Ok? Prosperity.
“I’d like to conclude with a passage from 1 John, Chapter 4. You know it? See, most groups I speak to don’t know that. But we know it. If you want, we can say it together: ‘No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.’ And that is so true.
“Thank you very much. This has been such an honor. Thank you very much. Bishop, thank you sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
After a campaign spent courting white supremacists and playing into
misleading stereotypes about people of color, today in Detroit, Donald
Trump addressed a predominantly African American audience for the first
time.
While Trump can attempt to reach out to African Americans, he has proven to the community time and again that he is unfit to be president and he has no interest in working with the African American community.
National leaders are rejecting Trump's scripted conversation and his staged outreach to the Black community.
“Whether he is embracing policies that preserve privilege for those at the top or spewing rhetoric that demeans Americans, Donald Trump has shown us that he wants to roll back the progress we have witnessed over the past eight years. Trump is running around the country riling up his supporters declaring that he wants to 'take our country back.' I have news for Mr. Trump, the hateful groups he has courted and now represents can never have this country again. We are moving forward together, and we refuse to allow him to take us back.” –Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO)
"Donald Trump’s visit to Detroit is tantamount to a wolf visiting a sheep farm to lead a discussion on Let Me Be Your Leader To Greener Pastures. It is the old southern strategy of Nixon, Bush and Reagan, wrapped up in a new an un-improved version of divide and conquer the Black and moderate white votes. Let's talk about law and order for you, bad economic times for you but no specific plan of action from me. He is talking over, around and through Black people but not to Black people. He should apologize, repent, re-align and retreat from his divisive non-Presidential behavior. We are all better than that.” –Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Detroit Social Activist
"Hillary Clinton has been a champion for the African-American community for decades. This year, she traveled to Flint to stand with us and let the country know that Flint's crisis is a national crisis. In doing so, she showed us once again who she is: a proven leader who is committed to addressing the injustices African-Americans are subjected to in this country. Flint's water crisis should serve as a reminder to Americans of what can happen when entire communities are ignored, left out and left behind. Donald Trump has a long history of turning a blind eye to the African American community. We are not fooled by this manufactured stop in Michigan. This is the same man who has talked down to us and falsely claimed that our entire community is poor, uneducated and unemployed. Donald Trump's lack of concern for our community is yet another reason he is unqualified and unfit for the presidency." –Mayor Karen Weaver, Flint, MI
“As the Bible says, beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. No matter how many times he attempts to reset, Donald Trump is still running the same race but with a pair of different shoes. There's no doubt in my mind that this man who discriminated from the boardroom will take that same attitude to the White House. He has shown us who he really is and who he really cares about---and that’s not us.” –Rev. Marcia Dyson, Social Activist
“I have no room for conversation with Mr. Trump, until he first apologizes to the President and the entire African American community for attempting to delegitimize his presidency with regard to him being a US Citizen. If a person has no respect for an African American serving in the highest position in this country and world, then how can I believe that he has any respect for me?” –Bishop Charles Ellis, Detroit Faith and Community Leader
ICYMI: DONALD J. TRUMP VISITS GREAT FAITH INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES IN DETROIT
“I Am Here Today To Listen To Your Message
And I Hope That My Presence Here Will Also Help Your Voice To Reach New
Audiences In Our Country – And Many Of These Audiences Desperately Need
Your Spirit And Your Thought.” – Donald J. Trump
FULL REMARKS AS DELIVERED
“Thank you. That’s so nice. Thank you.“Well, that’s so nice. And, Bishop Jackson, I want to thank you and Dr. Jackson and you have some voice, I have to say. Incredible. And some spirit, some spirit. Talent.
“Thank you. Well, I just wrote this the other day knowing I’d be here. And, I mean it from the heart and I’d like to just read it and I think you’ll understand it maybe better than I do in certain ways.
“For centuries, the African-American church has been the conscience of our country. So true. It’s from the pews and pulpits and Christian teachings of black churches all across this land that the Civil Rights movement lifted up its soul and lifted up the soul of our nation. It’s from these pews that our nation has been inspired toward a better moral character, a deeper concern for mankind, and spirit of charity and unity that binds us all together. And we’re bound together and I see that today. This has been an amazing day for me.
“The African-American faith community has been one of God’s greatest gifts to America and to its people. There is perhaps no action our leaders can take that would do more to heal our country and support our people than to provide a greater platform to the Black churches and church-goers. You do right everyday by your community and your families. You raise children in the Light of God; I will always support your church, always. And defend your right to worship . . . so important.
“I am here today to listen to your message and I hope that my presence here will also help your voice to reach new audiences in our country and many of these audiences desperately need your spirit and your thought. I can tell you that.
“Christian faith is not the past but the present and the future. Make it stronger. And we’ll open it up to great, great leaders like Pastor Jackson, Bishop Jackson, Dr. Jackson, and so many others. And so many others actually sitting here. Darrell Scott, who is phenomenal, who has been with me for so long. So long. Omrosea, who is a very nice person and I don’t want to say that. Because I’ll destroy her image by saying that. She’s actually a very, very fine person and pastor. And I want to thank all the folks and there is somebody that’s been very special to me, Dr. Ben Carson who’s been . . . Stand up, Ben. Come here, come here. Come here, Ben. This is a great man and great guy.
“So, as I prepare to campaign all across the nation, and in every community, I will have an opportunity to lay out my plans for economic change. Which will be so good for Detroit and so good for this community because we’re going to bring jobs back. I will have a chance . . . Thank you. We’re bringing them back. We’re taking them from Mexico and everywhere else because they’re gone.
“I will have a chance to discuss school choice. Its very important. And how to put every American on the ladder of success. A great education, a great job. But today, I just want to let you know that I am here to listen to you and I have been doing that. And we had a fantastic interview with Bishop Jackson. It was really an amazing interview. He is better than the people who do that professionally. I will tell you. It’s true. It’s true. It’s true. He’s better.
“And I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I didn’t know. Is this going to be nice? Is this going to be wild? He’s a great gentleman and a very smart guy. I just hope you don’t lose him to Hollywood. That’s the only problem. And especially, and especially Dr. Jackson, she may be gone. Hollywood is calling. Look at all those television cameras back there. Look at all the television cameras. I’m sorry to do that to you, Bishop. Because, it’s just one of those things, right?
“Our nation is too divided. We talk past each other, not to each other and those who seek office do not do enough to step into the community and learn what is going on. They don’t know. They have no clue. I’m here today to learn. So that we can together remedy injustice, in any form. And so that we can also remedy economics so that the African-American community can benefit economically through jobs and income and so many other different ways.
“Our political system has failed the people and works only to enrich itself. I want to reform that system so that it works for you, everyone in this room. I believe true reform can only come from outside the system. I really mean that. Being a businessman is much different than being a politician because I understand what is happening. And we are going outside the establishment.
“Becoming the nominee of the Party of Abraham Lincoln — a lot of people don’t realize that Abraham Lincoln, the great Abraham Lincoln was a Republican — has been the greatest honor of my life. It is on his legacy that I hope to build the future of the Party but more important the future of the country and the community.
“I believe that we need a Civil Rights agenda for our time. One that ensures the rights to a great education — so important — and the right to live in safety and in peace and to have a really, really great job. A good paying job and one that you love going to every morning. That can happen. We need to bring our companies back.
“It also means the right to have a government that protects our works and fights, really fights for our jobs. I want to help you build and rebuild Detroit. And we can do that especially with people like Bishop Jackson and Dr. Jackson. I mean that. It’s been an amazing experience. It’s been an amazing experience. Really.
“Nothing is more sad than when we sideline young black men with unfulfilled potential, tremendous potential. I met some people this morning that are incredible people and they’re looking for jobs. These are incredible people . . . young people. Our whole country loses out when we’re unable to harness the brilliance and the energy of these folks
“We’re one nation and when anyone hurts, we all hurt together. That is so true. So true.
“We’re all brothers and sisters and we’re all created by the same God. We must love each other and support each other and we are in this all together. All together.
“I fully understand that the African-American community has suffered from discrimination and that there are many wrongs that must still be made right and they will be right. I want America prosperous for everyone. I want to make this city the economic envy of the world and we can do that. We can do that again.
“Factories everywhere, new roads and bridges, new schools — especially schools — and new hope.
"I have been so greatly blessed, and in so many ways, with no greater blessing than my family. I’ve had a great family.
“Nothing would make me happier and more fulfilled than to use what I have learned in business and in traveling all over the world — I’ve sort of seen a lot — to bring the wealth and prosperity and opportunity to those who have not had these opportunities before. And that’s many, many people in Detroit.
“When I see wages falling, people out of work, I know the hardships this inflicts and I am determined to do something about it. I will do something about it. I do get things done, I will tell you. Some people have strengths, that’s one of my strengths, I get things done. I’m going to get things done for you.
“Please know this, for any who are hurting, things are going to turn around.Tomorrow will be better. Much better. The Pastor and I were talking about, riding up the street, how we see all those closed stores and people sitting down on the sidewalk, and no jobs, and no activity. We’ll get it turned around. We’ll get it turned around, Pastor. Believe me.
“We’re going to win again as a country and we’re going to win again for all of our people. I want to work with you to renew the bonds of trust between citizens and the bonds of faith that make our nation strong. America has been lifted out of many of its most difficult hours through the miracle of faith and through people like Bishop Jackson and Dr. Jackson. So important. People have no idea how important they are.
“Now, in these hard times for our country, let us turn again to our Christian heritage to lift up the soul of our nation. I am so deeply grateful to be here today and it is my prayer that the America of tomorrow — and I mean that — that the America oftomorrow will be one of unity, togetherness, and peace. And perhaps we can add the word prosperity. Ok? Prosperity.
“I’d like to conclude with a passage from 1 John, Chapter 4. You know it? See, most groups I speak to don’t know that. But we know it. If you want, we can say it together: ‘No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.’ And that is so true.
“Thank you very much. This has been such an honor. Thank you very much. Bishop, thank you sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES: PRAISE FOR DONALD J. TRUMP’S DETROIT VISIT
“I
Believe That We Need A Civil Rights Agenda For Our Time. One That
Ensures The Rights To A Great Education — So Important — And The Right
To Live In Safety And In Peace And To Have A Really, Really Great Job.
A Good Paying Job And One That You Love Going To Every Morning. That
Can Happen.” – Donald J. Trump
________________________
Detroit News Headline: “Trump To Detroit: ‘We’re All Brothers And Sisters’”
- “Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump praised the black churchSaturday at the Greater Faith Ministries International as he made his first direct outreach to African-American voters. ‘I will always support your church always and defend your right to worship,’ said Trump, who was introduced by Bishop Wayne T. Jackson to polite applause. Standing at the front of the church holding a cordless microphone, he noted that it was from black churches ‘all across this land that the civil rights movement lifted up its soul and lifted up our nation. It’s from these pews that our nation has been inspired.’”
Detroit Free Press Headline: “Trump To Parishioners At Black Detroit Church: 'I'm Here To Listen'”
- “‘This has been an amazing day for me,’ Trump said after taking the stage. He called the African American Christian community ‘one of God's greatest gifts to America’ and said he was attending the religious service in Detroit on Saturday‘to listen to your message -- and I hope my presence here today will help your message reach new voices.’ The GOP presidential candidate appeared at Great Faith Ministries with former ‘Apprentice’ contestant Omarosa Manigualt and former Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, a Detroit native. Trump didn't sidestep the question of race in his remarks. He said presently America sidelines ‘young black men with tremendous potential’ and said ‘our entire country misses out when we are unable to harness the potential and energy of these folks.’”
The Wall Street Journal Headline: “Trump Calls For ‘Civil-Rights Agenda’ At Detroit Church”
- “Donald Trump delivered a call for unity to churchgoers on the west side of Detroit and pledged to listen to African-American voters, kicking off a key initiative in the Republican presidential nominee’s drive to reach out to inner-city voters. Speaking in brief prepared remarks he read from a piece of paper that he rarely strayed from, he promised economic reform and said ‘I believe we need a civil rights agenda.’ That plan would address the need for justice, employment and trade policies. ‘I fully understand the African-American population has suffered,’ he said. ‘I will do something about it.’”
Politico Headline: “Trump Flashes Humility In First Ever Black Church Visit”
- “Campaigning at an African-American church for the first time during the presidential race, Donald Trump called for ‘a civil rights agenda for our time’ and cast himself as the candidate who could best ‘rebuild Detroit’ and struggling black communities across the nation. … Campaigning at an African-American church for the first time during the presidential race, Donald Trump called for ‘a civil rights agenda for our time’ and cast himself as the candidate who could best ‘rebuild Detroit’ and struggling black communities across the nation.”
ABC News Headline: “Trump Tells Black Church Members In Detroit He Is There To 'Learn'”
- “Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump told an African-American congregation in Detroit today that the ‘nation is too divided.’ ‘I’m here today to learn,’ he said to the congregants at Great Faith International Ministries church. He told those gathered that he ‘fully understands that the African American community has suffered from discrimination’ and that the country needs a revised civil-rights agenda. Trump's visit to the congregation marks a continuing transition in his campaign, with the candidate making direct appeals to black voters. Prior to the visit to Detroit, Trump met with black religious and business leaders in Philadelphia.”
CNN Headline: “Trump Brings Message Of Unity To Black Church In Detroit”
- “Donald Trump on Saturday directly addressed a largely African-American audience for the first time as a presidential candidate, delivering a warmly received message of unity that focused on fixing economic hardship in the black community. Trump spoke to members of the Great Faith Ministries in Detroit, part of his outreach to what is typically a sizable Democratic voting bloc. … Trump told the audience he was there to ‘listen to your message’ and said he hoped his appearance would ‘also help your voice to reach new audiences in our country.’ He said he would lay out his plans for economic change and school choice -- issues that he said would benefit black communities -- in the future.”
Fox News Headline: “Trump Makes First Stop In Black Community, Tells Detroit Church Congregation 'Here To Listen'”
- “Donald Trump on Saturday took his message directly to African-American voters, telling a congregation at a black church in Detroit that they are ‘God’s greatest gift to our nation.’ … Trump on Saturday vowed if elected to bring jobs back to those communities, including many with impoverished black neighborhoods, and to provide a better education for the children who live in them. ‘But today, I’m here to list,’ said Trump, reading in subdued tones from what he said was a hand-written message. ‘I mean it from the heart.’”
The Daily Mail Headline: “'I'm Here To Listen': Trump Brings Message Of Unity To Parishioners At Black Church In Detroit During Special Service As Omarosa And Ben Carson Support Him”
- “Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made an appeal directly to African-American voters while speaking at a black church in Detroit on Saturday and said they are 'God's greatest gift to our nation.' The billionaire traveled to the city for a special service at the Great Faith International Ministries church along with Dr. Ben Carson and Omarosa Manigault, his director of African-American Outreach. Trump vowed that if he was elected president he would bring jobs back to impoverished black communities.”
Hillary for America
National Leaders Reject Donald Trump’s Outreach Effort to African Americans
While Trump can attempt to reach out to African Americans, he has proven to the community time and again that he is unfit to be president and he has no interest in working with the African American community.
National leaders are rejecting Trump's scripted conversation and his staged outreach to the Black community.
“Whether he is embracing policies that preserve privilege for those at the top or spewing rhetoric that demeans Americans, Donald Trump has shown us that he wants to roll back the progress we have witnessed over the past eight years. Trump is running around the country riling up his supporters declaring that he wants to 'take our country back.' I have news for Mr. Trump, the hateful groups he has courted and now represents can never have this country again. We are moving forward together, and we refuse to allow him to take us back.” –Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO)
"Donald Trump’s visit to Detroit is tantamount to a wolf visiting a sheep farm to lead a discussion on Let Me Be Your Leader To Greener Pastures. It is the old southern strategy of Nixon, Bush and Reagan, wrapped up in a new an un-improved version of divide and conquer the Black and moderate white votes. Let's talk about law and order for you, bad economic times for you but no specific plan of action from me. He is talking over, around and through Black people but not to Black people. He should apologize, repent, re-align and retreat from his divisive non-Presidential behavior. We are all better than that.” –Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Detroit Social Activist
"Hillary Clinton has been a champion for the African-American community for decades. This year, she traveled to Flint to stand with us and let the country know that Flint's crisis is a national crisis. In doing so, she showed us once again who she is: a proven leader who is committed to addressing the injustices African-Americans are subjected to in this country. Flint's water crisis should serve as a reminder to Americans of what can happen when entire communities are ignored, left out and left behind. Donald Trump has a long history of turning a blind eye to the African American community. We are not fooled by this manufactured stop in Michigan. This is the same man who has talked down to us and falsely claimed that our entire community is poor, uneducated and unemployed. Donald Trump's lack of concern for our community is yet another reason he is unqualified and unfit for the presidency." –Mayor Karen Weaver, Flint, MI
“As the Bible says, beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. No matter how many times he attempts to reset, Donald Trump is still running the same race but with a pair of different shoes. There's no doubt in my mind that this man who discriminated from the boardroom will take that same attitude to the White House. He has shown us who he really is and who he really cares about---and that’s not us.” –Rev. Marcia Dyson, Social Activist
“I have no room for conversation with Mr. Trump, until he first apologizes to the President and the entire African American community for attempting to delegitimize his presidency with regard to him being a US Citizen. If a person has no respect for an African American serving in the highest position in this country and world, then how can I believe that he has any respect for me?” –Bishop Charles Ellis, Detroit Faith and Community Leader
###
For
Immediate
Release, September
3,
2016
Copyright © 2016 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in
Action.
All rights reserved.