At Mt Lebanon church, Reverend Leach is ensuring everyone understands the urgency of voting.
The church’s origins date back to the mid-1800s, its original congregation composed of African-American slaves. Since then, it has evolved into a hub for social and political activity.
Now, the reverend implored his congregation: “Someone say mission possible.”
Possible, he said, if they – black, rural voters – showed up to the polls.
“Some of you who don’t think your vote matters… We can’t let them take us back 40, 50, 60 years,” Reverend Leach said, echoing a line often used in Harris’s stump speech.
His warning struck a personal chord with William Overton, who was in the crowd. The 85-year-old told the BBC he was voting for Harris and that his number one concern was protecting abortion rights.
“The laws now are worse than they were in the 1950s,” Overton said.
Abortion is an intimate issue for him. His wife had a miscarriage in South Carolina in 1964, he said, and relied on medical care that is now sometimes illegal in that state.
Democrats’ investments into rural areas are felt here, Overton said, adding that he’s been receiving daily campaign calls and texts.
“The excitement is up compared to 2020,” he said.
Michael Sutton, another Democratic voter and member of the church, agreed.
“The way things look even here, in North Carolina, in this small town, everybody is energised,” Sutton said. “It feels like we have a good chance.”
