FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A National Civil Rights leader pays a visit to Fort Wayne Monday.

The Rev. Al Sharpton is scheduled to appear at Come As You Are Church on South Anthony at 7 p.m.

The visit is coordinated through New Beginnings Church and Pastor Carlton Lynch. Lynch says while Sharpton is a controversial figure, he maintains the visit is not a political event.

The talk, it's said will focus on inner city violence and law enforcement. The event is free, doors open at 5 p.m.
As Sharpton is scheduled to speak, another group is hosting a prayer rally downtown.

The Allen County Tea Party is hosting a Prayer Rally tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Courthouse Green downtown. It's titled “All Lives Matter,” in contrast to the “Black Lives Matter” movement.

Organizers say they'll pray for law enforcement, those in the military, Christians persecuted in the Middle East and Israel.

They add prayers will also be offered for quote “defenseless babies.