VP Kamala Harris’ “Opportunity Agenda for Black men” 

The VP Aims to Energize African American Voters Amid Concerns that Some May Skip the Election Rather Than Vote for Harris or Trump

As Election Day approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris has introduced her “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” a comprehensive plan aimed at securing the support of Black male voters, a group whose backing has shown signs of waning. Harris’ proposals include key economic reforms to uplift Black entrepreneurs, with a focus on Black-owned businesses and the growing cannabis industry.

Fully Forgivable Loans for Black Business Owners

A central feature of Harris’ plan is the introduction of 1 million fully forgivable loans targeted at Black business owners. This initiative is designed to address economic disparities and offer significant financial support to Black entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to grow their businesses without the burden of repayment.

Cannabis Legalization and Equal Access for Black Entrepreneurs

Harris has also pledged to legalize marijuana nationwide for recreational use and ensure Black entrepreneurs gain fair access to the cannabis industry. Her campaign emphasized that Black men, who have historically faced disproportionate policing for marijuana use, should benefit from the wealth and job creation within this booming market.

Cryptocurrency Regulations for Investor Protection

Harris’ plan includes new federal regulations for cryptocurrency, aiming to protect Black investors who are navigating the rapidly growing digital currency space. This move is part of a broader effort to safeguard economic opportunities for Black Americans in emerging industries.

Polling Shows Tightening Race Among Black Voters

Despite Harris leading Black voters by a wide margin over former President Donald Trump, polling reveals a concerning trend for Democrats. A recent New York Times/Sienna College poll found that Harris leads Trump among Black voters by a 78%-15% margin. While still significant, this gap is narrower than in 2020, when Joe Biden secured 90% of the Black vote, compared to Trump’s 9%. Similarly, a CBS News/YouGov poll showed Harris with an 87%-12% advantage among Black voters.

This erosion of support, especially among Black men, is raising alarm within the Democratic Party as the race is expected to be razor-thin.

Barack Obama Weighs In on Black Male Support

Former President Barack Obama has also addressed the issue, calling out Black men who may be hesitant to support Harris. He noted that some may not be rallying behind her due to her gender, emphasizing the historic nature of this election, where Harris could become the first Black woman president in U.S. history.

The Stakes in the 2024 Election

With the race tightening and Black voter turnout in question, Harris’ “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men” represents a clear contrast to her opponent, Donald Trump. The Democratic campaign is focusing on energizing this critical voting bloc, which could determine the outcome of the closely contested election. As Harris looks to solidify support, the stakes could not be higher for both candidates.