Pastor Corey Brooks’ Walk Across America Reveals a Nation United by Faith and Community

24 February 2026 Opinion

CHICAGO, Ill. — As Pastor Corey Brooks continues his ambitious Walk Across America, trekking toward Los Angeles on a journey spanning a million steps, he has uncovered a powerful truth about the nation’s social fabric: Americans are far less divided than Washington’s political rhetoric suggests. Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D., has spent months engaging with people in small towns and cities across the country, discovering communities bound together by faith, family, and a shared commitment to helping one another.

In conversations at roadside diners, bus stops, and neighborhood corners, Brooks has met individuals whose lives reflect the enduring values that many Americans hold dear. From a retired teacher tutoring children after school without charge, to a mechanic who stopped to repair a stranger’s broken-down truck, and a teenager mowing a senior citizen’s lawn for free, these encounters reveal a tapestry of generosity and neighborly care that defies the divisive headlines often dominating national discourse.

“Not one person I spoke with asked about party lines or protests,” Brooks said in a recent interview. “They talked about their jobs, their kids’ futures, church, football games, and how to keep kids on the right path.” These conversations have not only sustained Brooks physically on his long trek but have also nourished his spirit, reinforcing his belief in America’s enduring unity.

This grassroots perspective aligns with findings from the Pew Research Center, which has documented the central role of faith communities in fostering social cohesion across diverse regions. Brooks’ journey underscores how religious institutions remain vital hubs for connection and support, particularly in rural and suburban areas.

Moreover, Brooks’ observations challenge the narrative often portrayed by political commentators in Washington, D.C., where partisan divisions seem insurmountable. The everyday Americans he meets prioritize merit, community involvement, and mutual respect over ideological battles. This sentiment echoes data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which shows that family and community engagement remain strong pillars of American life.

Brooks’ walk also highlights the importance of local acts of kindness and volunteerism, which are often overlooked in national conversations. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports that millions of Americans volunteer regularly, contributing to a robust culture of civic participation that transcends political affiliations.

As Brooks approaches Los Angeles, his journey serves as a reminder that the heart of America beats strongest in its neighborhoods and places of worship, where people come together to support each other and build a better future. His experience offers a hopeful counterpoint to the divisiveness often amplified by media and political discourse, suggesting that unity through faith and community remains alive and well across the nation.

For those interested in following Brooks’ progress or learning more about the communities he visits, updates are available through various faith-based organizations and local news outlets committed to highlighting stories of resilience and hope.

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Written By
Jordan Ellis covers national policy, government agencies and the real-world impact of federal decisions on everyday life. At TRN, Jordan focuses on stories that connect Washington headlines to paychecks, public services and local communities.
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