Historically black Charlotte church backs Donald Trump

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A historically black church in Charlotte rallying behind Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is getting national attention.

Church members at Antioch Road to Glory International Ministries held a town hall Sunday with headliners such as Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, and former “The Apprentice” star Omarosa.

The church knows Sunday's event may set them apart from traditional political ideologies in the black community, but they feel what they are doing is what's best for their community.

Katrina Rodgers is the daughter of the church's founder and grew up through the church's 38-year history.
She said she believes initiatives Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has supported have hurt the black community the church serves.
 
"It had a rippling effect," Rodgers said. "Not only did the prison population increase but it brought about division in our homes."

Supporting Trump will help working blacks, church members said.
 
"Providing jobs would automatically have a rippling effect on the economy which would have effects on crime rates which would have its effect on families," Rodger said.
 
Rodgers said she knows the move isn't popular and the church has already been ridiculed for its stance.
 
"This is what we feel in our hearts of hearts that is right for us to do so we're moving forward on that," Rodgers said.

Regardless of political viewpoint, the church invites anyone interested to attend.

The town hall is meant to open the floor for discussion about the presidential election.

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