By Dana Peck
Special to the AFRO
In a spiritually charged gathering at The Carter Center, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, the visionary senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, spearheaded an empowering event on Aug. 5 aimed at mobilizing voter turnout and educating the community about Project 2025.
Bryant, former senior pastor of Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple, has a history of galvanizing communities towards non-violent action, having previously served as the national youth and college director of the NAACP, where he guided 70,000 young people globally.
Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Ga., has launched Project 5-5-5, a voter mobilization effort created, in part, as a counter to the conservative Project 2025. (Photo by Dana Peck)
Bryant’s newest 5-5-5 plan is a direct response to Project 2025. The campaign features four major events held on the fifth of each month leading up to Election Day in November.
Bryant provided a historical context of democracy, emphasizing the challenges faced by Black communities. He critiqued Project 2025, underscoring its potential negative implications for Black communities. He called for a concrete plan and youth engagement, stressing the importance of voter registration, education, and turnout efforts.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is incumbent upon us not to just talk amongst ourselves, but to go to the barbershops, and to the basketball courts,” Bryant told the gathering. “I want to challenge those of you who are part of the D9 (Divine Nine, Black fraternities and sororities), those of you who are part of civic organizations, those of you who are part of grassroots organizations, and those of you who are connected to faith organizations.
“I want to encourage you on Oct. 5 and Sept. 5 that this is an all-out [voter registration effort]. I want you to leave no door left unlocked. Let no phone number be left untexted.”
The event began with an opening prayer by Bishop William Murphy, bishop of worship at Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, who invoked the scripture from Nehemiah 4. His message resonated deeply with the attendees, reminding them not to be distracted by external conflicts while working towards their goals. This spiritual grounding set the tone for an evening dedicated to unity, purpose and action.
The Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, right, shares a moment with fiancée Karri Turner, and the AFRO’s Dana and Kevin Peck. (AFRO Photo / Kevin Peck)
Bryant invited nine leaders to share his vision with attendees.
Rashad Richey, a strategist representing The Carter Center’s Georgia Democracy Resilience Network, delivered a powerful address on the significance of democracy and the critical role of informed voting. He highlighted the spiritual battle behind physical challenges, urging attendees to manifest change. He called for a coalition of responsibility among community members to safeguard democratic principles. His emphasis on coalition-building underscored the necessity of collective action in the face of political challenges.
Virginia Harris, president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, stressed the importance of electing leaders who genuinely care about the people. She introduced initiatives such as Mobilize Monday and public policy engagement kits, designed to keep the community informed and engaged. Harris’ call to action was clear: informed voting is essential for true representation and effective governance.
Attorney Mo Ivory, commissioner- elect for Fulton County Commission’s District 4, offered a detailed analysis of the legal implications of Project 2025. She emphasized the importance of local involvement and strategic planning beyond emotional victories. Ivory’s insights into the legal landscape provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved in the upcoming elections.
Yatonya Oliver, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Dekalb Alumni Chapter, focused on the critical role of youth engagement in the voting process. She stressed the importance of mobilizing apathetic voters through community engagement and innovative outreach strategies. Oliver’s passion for youth involvement was evident, inspiring many to take active steps toward fostering a culture of informed and enthusiastic voters.
Darrel Taylor, president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s Decatur Alumni Chapter, emphasized the necessity of voter education, registration, and civic engagement. He highlighted unique opportunities for voter registration, particularly in high schools, aiming to instill the values of civic duty and participation in the next generation of voters.
Dr. Johni Cruse Craig, social action chair for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Stone Mountain – Lithonia Alumni Chapter, discussed imperative strategies for Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts. She outlined a multifaceted approach: educate, register, mobilize and protect. Her comprehensive strategy underscored the importance of a holistic approach to voter mobilization, ensuring every eligible voter is informed, registered and motivated to cast their ballot.
Bernard Levett, president of the 100 Black Men of Dekalb, highlighted the chapter’s extensive involvement in civic engagement and the critical importance of youth education on voting. His message reinforced the idea that educating young people about their voting rights and responsibilities is fundamental to sustaining a vibrant democracy.
Mayor of Stonecrest Jazzmin Cobble shared her success in mobilizing voters through effective public policy. She stressed the importance of evaluating policies over emotional attachment to candidates, advocating for a more rational and informed approach to voting. Cobble’s practical perspective resonated with attendees, many of whom seemed to leave with a renewed sense of purpose.
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., critiqued former President Trump’s administration while celebrating the Biden-Harris White House, highlighting the urgency of protecting democracy. (AFRO Photo / Kevin Peck)
Congressman Hank Johnson, U.S. representative for Georgia’s 4th congressional district, praised Pastor Bryant and the collective efforts of the community. He critiqued the previous Trump administration while celebrating the Biden-Harris administration, highlighting the urgency of protecting democracy. Johnson’s passionate speech served as a rallying cry for attendees to remain vigilant and proactive in their civic duties.
Bryant expressed a heartfelt thanks to the various contributors and organizations. He shared that launching at The Carter Center was a full circle moment for him.
“I went with my parents to play with Amy Carter at the White House at 7 years of age,” he recalled. “I was on the cover of newspapers all over the country because they hadn’t seen a Black kid playing with a White kid on the White House lawn. This was 1977 and so for me to be back in this place is overwhelmingly gratifying.”
Maisha Land, left, creator of the Stroll to the Polls Movement, poses with Dana and Kevin Peck. (Photo by Kevin Peck)
Maisha Land, creator of the Stroll to the Polls Movement, said, “It was refreshing to finally hear a discussion with tangible outcomes in mind for civic engagement and accountability for before and after elections. Learning about Project 5-5-5 tonight really focused me. I realize more than ever that fighting the plans put in for the demise of our communities is not enough, that ‘I have a dream’ is not enough…. We must have a plan. I am looking forward to Project 5-5-5 and helping with the lift.”
