Black Voters Matter brings bus tour to Northeast Ohio weeks before November general election

CLEVELAND — The organization known as Black Voters Matter is making stops throughout Ohio this week amid a bus tour “to help build Black voting power ahead of midterms.”

The bus tour – which organizers are calling “We Won’t Black Down” – arrives in Northeast Ohio less than four weeks before the upcoming general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

A press release from the Black Voters Matter organization says their “Blackest Bus In America” is making these stops with plans to mobilize Black voters and engage with policymakers, faith-based leaders, Black influencers and HBCU students.

The first stop on Wednesday was in East Cleveland, where voting has historically not been a priority.

"Upwards of 50% of Black communities have no idea there's a midterm election coming up. That's horrifying," said Barbara Arnwine, the president and founder of Transformative Justice Coalition. "We're out here pushing the word out that there is a midterm election and that you need to vote and don't let anybody suppress your vote. We're in Ohio!"

RELATED: VOTER GUIDE | November 8 general election in Ohio: See what's on the ballot and how to find your polling place

Here’s their listed Ohio stops on the bus tour:

Wednesday, Oct. 12 – CLEVELAND – East Cleveland Public Library 

2-4 p.m. Banned Book Giveaway, 14101 Euclid Ave.

4-6 p.m. Motorcade & Canvassing starts at East Cleveland Public Library

6-7:30 p.m. Reception & Power Panel at East Cleveland Public Library

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Wednesday, Oct. 12 – TOLEDO – Warren AME Church

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Banned Book Giveaway, Votercade & Canvassing starts at 915 Collingwood Blvd.

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Thursday, Oct. 13 – AKRON – The Freedom BLOC Office

9-11 a.m. Votercade & Canvassing starts at 848 W Exchange Street

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Thursday, Oct. 13 – COLUMBUS – St. Mark’s Lodge

1-5 p.m. Votercade & Canvassing starts at 988 E. Long Street

5:30-7:30 p.m. Rally - New Covenant Believer’s Church, 3400 Kohr Blvd.

RELATED: Early voting for November 8 general election begins in Ohio: Where to cast your ballot

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Friday, Oct. 14 – WILBERFORCE – Wilberforce University Student Union

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Block Party - 1055 North Bickett Road

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Friday, Oct.14 – DAYTON – McKinley United Methodist Church

2-3:30 p.m. Canvassing begins at 196 Hawthorn Street

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Friday, Oct. 14 – CINCINNATI – Wing Champs 

4-6 p.m. Soulfood GOTV - Wing Champs at 2348 Sharon Road

RELATED: Sherwin-Williams responds to Rev. Al Sharpton protest regarding Cleveland headquarters construction

Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on Oct. 11, 2022.