Harris unveils new proposals targeting Black men as she looks to shore up Democratic coalition

Vice President Kamala Harris announced new initiatives on Monday aimed at strengthening her coalition with Black voters, particularly Black men, as Election Day approaches. This move comes amid concerns about her lagging support among this demographic compared to President Joe Biden’s performance in 2020. Recent polling suggests potential for growth, highlighting the urgency of her efforts.

Former President Barack Obama recently emphasized the importance of Black voter participation, asserting that it is “not acceptable” for Black men to abstain from voting. He suggested that some may hesitate to support Harris due to her being a woman, adding to the complexity of voter dynamics within this group.

The proposals Harris unveiled are designed to empower Black men by providing them with resources to achieve financial independence, reduce living costs, and safeguard their rights. According to the campaign, a key component of this initiative involves offering one million forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs and others looking to start businesses. This funding would be facilitated through a partnership between the Small Business Administration and various lenders and banks.

In addition to financial support, Harris aims to enhance job opportunities for Black men by promoting apprenticeships, strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and increasing the number of Black male teachers in schools. During her campaign, she has also pledged to reduce college degree requirements for specific federal job positions, further expanding access to employment.

Another significant element of Harris’s plan includes the establishment of a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and other digital assets, along with a National Health Equity Initiative that addresses health challenges disproportionately affecting Black men. Additionally, she advocates for the legalization of recreational marijuana and seeks to create pathways for Black Americans to thrive in the cannabis industry. Harris has consistently articulated her belief that marijuana should be legalized across the United States.

The campaign plans to promote these initiatives through various events, including “Black Men Huddle Up” gatherings, an Economic Freedom Talk series, and targeted media outreach. These efforts aim to draw a clear contrast between Harris’s agenda and the approach of former President Donald Trump.

Michael Tyler, the Harris-Walz campaign communications director, highlighted this distinction, stating, “Donald Trump’s outreach consists of gold sneakers, mugshots, and insults, while the Vice President is focused on what Black men can achieve under her leadership. We think that’s an important point of contrast.”

Harris has prioritized mobilizing Black male voters even before becoming the Democratic nominee, working to build enthusiasm for Biden’s campaign during the 2020 election cycle. A source close to her team expressed concern about voter apathy, noting, “The worry is that those who should be voting might just stay on the couch. We need to ensure that Black men and Hispanic men participate because not voting at all effectively counts as a vote for Trump.”

To further engage this audience, Harris will be participating in a radio town hall in Detroit this week, hosted by Charlamagne tha God, a nationally syndicated radio co-host with a substantial following across digital platforms. “The Breakfast Club,” which reaches a broad audience, particularly within the Black community, will serve as a vital platform for her message.

As the campaign intensifies, Harris’s initiatives represent a strategic effort to connect with and mobilize Black men, aiming to ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming election. With a multifaceted approach that addresses financial, educational, and health concerns, Harris seeks to reinforce her commitment to uplifting this demographic and securing their support in the race ahead.