Marchers walk from North Moore Road toward the Brainerd Recreation Center on Saturday in support of voter registration and voting rights.As many as 500 people gathered in Brainerd on Saturday to rally and march for voting rights.
Black and poor people are in crisis and must exercise their rights, said the Rev. Kenneth Love, executive director for the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
"We are in emergency mode. The alarm is sounding and it's time for us to respond," he said.
The group met for a service at Greater Tucker Baptist Church and marched along North Moore Road to the North Brainerd Recreation Center to cast ballots during early voting in the presidential preference primary.
Love spoke about casting a vote that would improve education, stop violence and bring equality to all people.
"It goes beyond race," said the Rev. Kenneth Ware, pastor of New Monumental Baptist Church. "This includes all people who have been separated from the liberities granted in this country. It's all of those who have been left out."
Other marches and voting rallies will be scheduled throughout the year leading up to the November presidential election.
For complete coverage, see Sunday's Times Free Press.