GREENVILLE, S.C. — With the November general election just weeks away, Pastors United for Action (PUA) is bringing Democratic candidates and community members together for an afternoon of political discussion, live music and food.
The organization will host a Rally and Candidate Forum on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valleybrook Outreach Baptist Church. The event is free and open to the public.
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey will deliver a special video message during the event. The rally will also feature Democratic candidates running for statewide office, the South Carolina House of Representatives and county council.
For the Rev. Stacey Mills, President of Pastors United for Action and Pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church, the gathering continues the Black church’s historic involvement in the civil rights movement.
“Pastors United for Action exists in the tradition of the Civil rights movement; its continuity, the organization, and strength are all embedded in the traditions of faith and the church,” Mills said.
Mills emphasized that while progress has been made in political representation and integration, economic justice remains an unfinished part of the civil rights movement. He pointed to the importance of community unity, faith and leadership in addressing those challenges.
Rev. Curtis Johnson, former PUA President and Pastor of Valleybrook Baptist Church, echoed the importance of the Black church’s role in civic participation.
“The Black church has always been a critical influence in mobilizing participation in the historical journey of this nation and of our race,” Johnson said. “We have been a voice of moral consciousness as it relates to justice, civil rights, as well as human rights.”
Johnson said this election presents an opportunity to educate communities about the issues affecting their lives and the importance of political participation.
“We anticipate participants to leave feeling equipped and empowered to shift the culture of our state,” Johnson said.
The forum will give Upstate residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking public office ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Attendees can also enjoy live music and food trucks throughout the afternoon.
The event comes just two days before early voting begins in South Carolina on Monday, Oct. 19.
Event Details
- What: Pastors United for Action Rally and Candidate Forum
- When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Where: Valleybrook Outreach Baptist Church
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Special appearance: Video message from U.S. Sen. Cory Booker
- Activities: Candidate forum, live music and food trucks
