In the first of two stops in the battleground state of North Carolina, Donald Trump promised on Wednesday to be a champion for African Americans in the United States, arguing that too often that community is ignored by Democrats after an election is over.
"We live in a very very divided country," Trump said in his appeal. "I will be your greatest champion."
"I will never, ever take the African American community for granted, Trump said. "Unlike Hillary."
"I want every African American child to walk down the street in peace, and not get shot," Trump said, saying that inner cities need more attention from those in charge in Washington.
Trump accused Democrats of helping to foment a "war on police," arguing that the black community would be helped by extra attention on crime in the U.S.
Trump also linked illegal immigration to the economic goals of black voters, saying the two are tied together.
"Illegal immigration violates the civil rights of African Americans," Trump said in his speech.
Trump has repeatedly offered himself up as a beacon of hope for black and Hispanic voters, often saying at his rallies, "What do you have to lose?"
So far, polls have not shown much support from Trump for black voters - but that hasn't stopped him from trying to win them over.
"I want to work on a national plan for revitalization," Trump said about inner cities.
"I'm tired of being told it can't be done."
