Events
PRESS RELEASE
The Stone of Help Foundation announces SOULS To The Polls concert and voter registration rally for the BIPOC community ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Founder and Billboard-charting gospel recording artist Earnest Pugh introduces Stone of Help Foundation to the Houston community.
HOUSTON – The Stone of Help Foundation (501c3), a private nonprofit organization founded by gospel’s leading man Earnest Pugh, Ph.D., announces SOULS To The Polls, a concert and voter registration awareness campaign for the BIPOC community. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color. Pugh is also introducing The Stone of Help Foundation to the Houston community. Both entities work hand in hand to assist military and civilians with privation issues (e.g., food, shelter, clothing, etc.). The concert will feature national gospel recording artists to combine the power of music and community engagement. The purpose is to promote civic participation, increase voter registration and turnout, and empower voters from all those diasporas, in the democratic process. The event is planned for Fall 2024.
“The upcoming presidential election is the most consequential election of our lifetime, and like never before desperate times calls for desperate measures. I am determined to use every tool in my arsenal to create a sense of urgency to get the people of our community to register to vote and in-fact cast their vote in November,” stated Pugh.
Campaign Objective
Voter Registration
The campaign seeks to register a significant number of BIPOC individuals to vote and ensure their inclusion in the electoral process.
Voter Education
The campaign aims to increase BIPOC voter knowledge and understanding, empowering them to make informed decisions at the polls.
Community Engagement
The gospel concert and awareness campaign aim to engage the BIPOC community by providing a platform for dialogue, celebration and unity. Creating a sense of community to empower BIPOC individuals to actively take part in shaping their communities through political engagement.
Voter Turnout
The campaign aims to mobilize registered BIPOC voters and encourage them to participate in elections, ensuring their voices are represented in the democratic process.
Collaboration with Community Organizations
The gospel concert and awareness campaign aim to engage the BIPOC community by providing a platform for dialogue, celebration and unity. Creating a sense of community to empower BIPOC individuals to actively take part in shaping their communities through political engagement.
Long-Term Impact
The campaign seeks to create a lasting impact by instilling a culture of civic engagement and active voter participation within the BIPOC community, leading to sustained voter registration and political representation.
Amplification of BIPOC Voices
The gospel concert and rally strive to amplify the voices and experiences of BIPOC individuals, particularly through the powerful medium of gospel music, fostering a more inclusive and diverse political discourse.
Overall, the purpose and mission of the SOULS To The Polls voter registration rally and concert is to harness the power of music, community engagement and collaboration. The campaign aims to achieve its goals and bring about positive change in the political landscape while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of gospel music. “We need all hands-on deck to fight for our democracy like never before. This is not the time to “sit it out.” Music is a universal language that can unite people of all demographics. My goal is to invite some of the most respected voices within the music industry (every genre) to join forces in a get-out-to-vote concert. We need to rise in historical numbers to make our voices heard this November,” Pugh said.