Poor People’s Campaign Moral March takes to the streets of Washington, D.C.

The Poor People’s Campaign Moral March was held in Washington, D.C. on June 29, attended by thousands of poor and low-wage workers and their supporters from religious, labor and many social justice organizations. Members of the United Church of Christ Washington, D.C. office and several congregations joined to uplift the call to action.

‘Jesus was a low-wage worker’

The purpose of the march was to center the needs of over 135 million poor and low-wage workers across the country, and to launch outreach to 15 million poor and low-wage infrequent voters ahead of the 2024 U.S. election in November.

The morning of the march, First Congregational UCC opened its doors to welcome all for community, protest poster-making and prayer. Signs read, “I’m a witness for justice,” “Jesus was a low-wage worker” and “Justice: It’s who we are and what we do.”  

Words of motivation and love were shared by Conference Minister Rev. Freeman Palmer of the Central Atlantic UCC Conferenece, Sandy Sorenson, former director of the UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., as well as current D.C. office director Rev. Michael Neuroth.

The UCC community walked together from the church to the assembly site, carrying protest banners and singing hymns such as “We are Marching in the Light of God” and “Everybody’s Got a Right to Live.” 

At the assembly, Neuroth spoke to the crowd of thousands gathered, sharing a message that amplified the UCC’s inclusive vision of a just world for all. “We are called to expand our sense of us to include the low-wage worker, the immigrant, the disabled, the drag queen, the child in Gaza, those of every hue, orientation, and culture,” said Neuroth. He also called upon the crowd to vote with love.

Neuroth shared the stage with religious leaders representing a wide range of traditions including Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Native American traditions.

Eric Boyd, a member of the Peoples Congregational UCC in Washington, D.C., said it was the very first protest he had ever attended. “I came out today to help other people who can’t help themselves,” he shared. “We need to change things around, people don’t listen to people who are dirt poor, they just ignore them.”

Reflecting on the event, Neuroth said, “It was inspiring to see so many UCC advocates join the Poor People’s Campaign moral march on Saturday. The values of the Poor People’s Campaign resonate with UCC values of welcoming diversity, intersectionality, and advocating for justice.”

He continued, “We share a call to address the inequality that impacts our nation and the lives of the poor. What is so inspiring and effective about the Poor People’s Campaign is not only that they are working for justice for the poor, but it also affirms that we cannot achieve justice without the broadest coalition possible. Only together, can we build a Just World for All.”

The entire event was live streamed. The recorded version can be seen here.
 

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