Detroit pastor speaking at Trump's inauguration leads local conservative movement
180 Church Pastor Lorenzo Sewell and his friends are trying to upend Detroit's Democratic tradition.

Lorenzo Sewell is leading a conservative movement in Detroit that appears to be growing.
Sewell is the pastor at the 180 Church on Stansbury Avenue within the city’s west side and has been chosen to pray at President elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Imam Husham Al-Husainy of the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center in Dearborn is also traveling to Washington for the swearing-in ceremony.
“God selects the disenfranchised, marginalized and pushed-aside all for His Glory. President Trump made a promise and he kept it!” Sewell said in a text message shortly after he learned he would appear at the inauguration.
During the presidential campaign, Sewell offered his sermon at local events and spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The church hosted events dedicated to electing Republicans each Friday in the lead up to November. He was successful in boosting local support for Trump.
Detroit saw 8,000 more votes for Trump in 2024 than it did in 2020. It wasn’t a surprise to anyone who spent time talking to Black residents.
Will Republicans impact 2025 city election?
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