The choir from the First Baptist Church at 2835 Broad Avenue, Memphis soon gave a memorable performance. First Baptist Pastor Keith Norman  was recently elected the Chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party and was present to hear John Edwards.

Several from the Shelby County Executive Committee were present, along with local political activist, bloggers and the Memphis Flyer's  Jackson Baker . A very special mention goes out to the Memphis OneCorp group's Captain Steve, and members for all they did to help the evening be great for all present.

At the begining of the program, a MIFA spokeswomen introduced 3 local Memphians that have been working their way to a better life, lifting themselves out of poverty with help from programs that MIFA has available. All three stories were a powerful testimony to the need for Poverty in America to be addressed and to have it done now, not wait another year, another month, another day, another second.

The First speaker, a single mom, who is now working, and has been successful in her goals now for over a year. Her son was present and later John Edwards had him come to the stage also. A light hearted moment as the young gentleman was wearing a North Carolina Jersey, which John Edwards made mention of as a favorite.

The Second speaker, a single mother of 7, who had lost one son and gave a moving account of enduring the loss, and having a deep understanding of seeing someone homeless on the street as she remembers being homeless herself. With the help of MIFA and it's programs she spoke of understanding how those homeless on the streets, feel, and that anyone could end up homeless in a short time. It happened to her, it could happen to anyone.

The last speaker was a teenager that is helping his single parent mother. He was able to find work through another MIFA progam helping teens. He talked about MIFA's program helping him, with interviewing, resume and other important things to help him to be better prepared for the future.

Then, Senator Edwards came to the stage and talked about the importance of the programs offered by MIFA, and that America is better than this.

His talk was to the issues of our society and it's need to help those that are struggling to make it, offering guidance and a helping hand to get on solid ground.

The spot light was on the needs of our neighbors, speaking to the desparate situation of our fellow Americans.

Waiting in the lobby, I spoke to several that were very impressed with the evening, one person spoke to me of being glad they had made it to hear Senator Edwards. She said she was very impressed that "when he spoke, it wasn't all about me", "he didn't talk about himself"!

I would have to agree, it was all about, "The Road To One America".

For more information about the tour: Building One America By Rewarding Work

Crossposted on JRE 08 with pictures