In a powerful and emotional appeal to Black voters, President Joe Biden delivered a passionate speech at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The historic church, scarred by a racially motivated tragedy, was the perfect setting for Biden's plea for support from the state's large Black community as they head to the nation's first Democratic primary next month.

Speaking before a packed congregation, Biden addressed the poison that has haunted the nation for far too long, echoing the words of former President Donald Trump who had accused immigrants of poisoning the blood of the nation. Biden identified this poison as white supremacy, stating that it has torn the nation apart throughout its history. He emphasized that white supremacy has no place in America, not today, tomorrow, or ever.

Biden's speech marked a historic moment as he became the first sitting American president to speak from the pulpit of one of the oldest and most respected Black spiritual institutions in the country. The Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded over two centuries ago, was the site of a horrific mass shooting in 2015, where nine people, including the church's pastor, were killed by a white supremacist. Former President Barack Obama had delivered the eulogy at the funeral of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, which took place at TD Arena at the College of Charleston.

The tragedy at Mother Emanuel prompted then-South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to remove the Confederate flag that flew over the state Capitol. Biden seized the opportunity to indirectly address Haley's recent reluctance to acknowledge that slavery was the cause of the Civil War. He made it clear that there is no negotiation about the fact that slavery was indeed the cause of the war, receiving applause from the congregation.

The issue of racism has emerged as a top concern in the upcoming election, according to groups that work to mobilize overlooked voters. Cynthia Wallace, founder of the New Rural Project, highlighted that racism is a significant concern for African American infrequent voters who didn't show up at the polls during her unsuccessful congressional run in North Carolina. While kitchen-table issues remain important for rural voters, racism consistently emerges as a top issue in polls and focus groups.

South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn, who introduced Biden, underscored the former vice president's achievements and contrasted them with those of Trump. Clyburn's endorsement of Biden played a crucial role in his victory in the South Carolina primary and helped solidify his path to becoming the Democratic nominee.

Biden's heartfelt appeal to Black voters at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church not only addressed the poison of white supremacy but also highlighted the importance of acknowledging the role of racism as a significant issue in the upcoming election. As the nation's first sitting president to speak from the pulpit of this historic church, Biden's words carried weight and significance, resonating with the congregation and the wider Black community in South Carolina.