David Jackson

USA TODAY

Donald Trump began a Labor Day weekend of African-American outreach Friday by conducting a private meeting with black leaders in Philadelphia.

During a brief photo opportunity, Trump spoke with a congressional candidate named Deborah Williams, who told the New York businessman, "I am very excited that you're here and I hope people will understand and really think about what is at stake."

"So much!" replied Trump, who plans to visit an African-American church Saturday in Detroit.

Williams was one of a dozen African-American business, civic, political, and religious leaders who met with Trump at a charter school on North Broad Street in Philadelphia.

The immigration issue also surfaced during Trump's trip, as he met with the mother of a woman killed by a gang that included migrants in the country illegally.

"They should have never been here," said Trump, who has proposed increased deportations of people with criminal records.

Trump has spent weeks appealing to African-Americans voters who have gone Democratic for decades. It's a tall order for any Republican; GOP nominee Mitt Romney took only 6% of the black vote in 2012, according to exit polls, and current surveys put Trump's support in single digits as well.

Trump critics and Hillary Clinton supporters say he isn't really trying to appeal to African-Americans, Hispanics or other minorities; he's trying to appeal to suburban voters who are nervous about rhetoric on social issues.

"Trump's 'outreach' to Latinos and African Americans this week is nothing more than a media stunt intended to reach college-educated white voters rather than minorities," said a statement from American Bridge, a pro-Clinton political action group.

Denise Horn, director of African American media for the Clinton campaign, said Trump has passed up invitations to meet with members of the African-American community, including the recent NAACP convention. Horn described the Republican candidate as "an attention-seeking opportunist with no regard for the well-being of black people."

Joseph J DeFelice, Chairman of the Philadelphia Republican Party, said Trump is addressing problems that affect all Philadelphians after decades of Democratic rule. "Our voters have been poorly served by decades of One-Party Rule," he said.

Participants at Friday's meeting appeared very supportive of their guest.

"Good afternoon, President Trump," said Linwood Holland, a military veteran.