More than two dozen African American ministers pledged their support for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton after meeting with her in Philadelphia Wednesday.
On Wednesday Clinton visited Mother Bethel A.M.E. church in Society Hill where she spoke with African American ministers from across the country. Clinton discussed criminal justice reform, jobs, equal pay and women’s health with the ministers. She also told them, “I want to be your partner, not just your president.”
NBC News reports 28 of the 50 clergy members Clinton met with pledged their support for her, including Mother Bethel’s revered Mark Kelly Tyler.
“I’m not saying that I’m voting for her just because she’s a woman but I’m certainly voting for her because she’s qualified, she’s capable, she’s ready to lead and the fact that she’s a woman is a plus,” Reverend Tyler said. “We need to diversify our country.”
During her discussion Wednesday, Clinton spoke about the water emergency in Flint, Michigan which compelled several members at the meeting to endorse her, according to NBC News.
"She brought attention to the crisis in Flint, demanded action, and expressed her intent to bring to light the other Flints that occur in our country all too often," Maryland Rev. Zina Pierre said. "She is qualified and equipped to do the job and represent all Americans regardless of religion or color."
