NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Nashville is about to get a brush with the West Wing for the second time in two months.
First lady Michelle Obama is making a return trip to Music City to give a keynote address to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The reverend helping to host the event spoke to Channel 4 about what the first lady's visit means to the thousands set to be there.
The Rev. Roderick Belin has been planning for eight years for Nashville to host the African Methodist Episcopal Church conference.
Belin said, "We're thrilled about having the first lady of the greatest country on earth to be visiting with us and our general session. This year we'll have about 1,600 delegates from countries in Africa, Trinidad, Jamaica and parts of Europe, representing over six million AMEs."
"In 2008, then Sen. (Barack) Obama visited the general conference and spoke to the congregation, and we were quite excited about that. So, we extended invitations to the White House to have Mrs. Obama come to the conference," Belin said.
It will mark the second time the first lady has visited Music City in two months, following an April fundraiser for the president's re-election campaign at the Pinnacle Building.
There, 450 people attended the $500-a-ticket event while supporters gathered across the street.
For the June 28 conference, Belin said he hasn't heard the subjects of the first lady's speech, but he's preparing for the 10,000 seats at Gaylord Opryland to be full.
Belin said, "Her deep commitment to people in need when she worked in hospital administration, I think has been exemplary. For her to come and speak, she's a dynamic speaker and a wonderful personality. We're excited that she's coming here. We have long admired them, but to have them to come here to grace us in 2008, and her now, it's thrilling. Absolutely thrilling."
If you're interested in seeing the first lady's speech, Belin says you'll need to register as an observer on the AME Church's website at www.ame-church.com/news-and-events/general-conference/.
A one-day pass for the event costs $50.
Copyright 2012 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
