Donald Trump on Saturday addressed African-American voters directly for the first time as a presidential candidate, delivering a warmly received message of unity while speaking at a black church in Detroit saying, "You are God's greatest blessing to our country."
Trump made the remarks at the members of the Great Faith International Ministries church, a nondenominational church in Detroit, part of his outreach program to what is typically a sizable Democratic voting bloc. He was alongside Dr. Ben Carson and Omarosa Manhigault, the director of African-American Outreach, Daily Mail reported.
His visit was however, met by protests outside of the church ahead of his arrival. The billionaire who sat in a pew at the front of the congregation was seen taking a selfie with one member of the church and at another point holding up a baby over his shoulders.
His latest visit comes in the middle of criticism that Trump has yet to bring his message into black communities across America, after weeks of trying to get black voters.
In his 20 minute remarks to the congregation, Trump said that the African-American church has been the conscience of their country. Reading from prepared remarks, Trump added that the African-American faith community has been God's greatest gifts to America and its people.
He told the congregation he was there to listen to their message adding that he hoped his appearance would help their voice to reach new people on America.
According to CNN, Trump told the audience he would lay out his strategies for economic change and better education, issues that he noted would benefit black communities in the near future.
If elected the president, the Republican presidential candidate vowed to bring jobs back to impoverished black communities.
"When I see wages falling, people not working, I know the challenges this inflicts and I am determined change this. I will do something about it," Trump said.
Speaking in a measured tone, Trump lamented what he said was a nation that was "too divided."
"We do not talk to each other. And those who seek office do something to step into the community. I am here to learn, so that we can together solve injustice in any way.
After leaving church, Trump took a tour of Carson's childhood bungalow style home in southwest Detroit.
Watch a video of Donald Trump speech at the Detroit church here: