Vice President Kamala Harris continues to prioritize an essential voting bloc for the Democratic Party: Black men. This marks the second day in a row that she has dedicated her attention to this crucial demographic.
On Tuesday, Harris is scheduled to join Charlemagne tha God, the host of the popular “The Breakfast Club” podcast, for an audio town hall event. In addition, the vice president has a meeting planned with Black entrepreneurs in Detroit on the same day.
In a bid to support the economic advancement of Black men, she recently launched a series of events. This initiative follows the unveiling of a comprehensive plan by her campaign, just three weeks prior to the election. The plan aims to provide one million fully forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs, as well as invest in Black male teachers.
During an interview with “Roland Martin Unfiltered,” which was released on Monday, Harris made the case that economic policies that take into account the historical barriers faced by Black people actually benefit all Americans.
According to Harris, when it comes to economic public policy, it is crucial to acknowledge historical barriers and take necessary steps to overcome them. By speaking truth about these barriers and actively working to eliminate them, not only can we address the injustices and legal obstacles faced by Black communities, but we can also create a society where everyone benefits.
Former President Barack Obama recently addressed a group of Black individuals at a campaign field office in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood. During his speech, he strongly criticized Black men who make excuses for not voting for Harris. This highlights a shift in focus towards Black voters in the current political climate.
“Can you believe it? This guy, Trump, has always been dismissive of not only our communities, but also of you as an individual. And now you’re considering not taking part in the process?” Obama questioned. “Are you finding all sorts of justifications and explanations for that?”
The Harris campaign has outlined a comprehensive plan to address the challenges faced by Black men, one of which involves the nationwide legalization of recreational marijuana. According to the campaign’s release, this initiative aims to dismantle discriminatory legal barriers that disproportionately impact Black men and hinder their progress. By taking this step, the campaign hopes to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all Americans.
In 2019, when Charlamagne tha God asked her if she had ever smoked, Harris candidly replied, “Yes, I have. And I did inhale. It was a long time ago, though.”
In her statement, she made it clear that she is a strong advocate for the legalization of the substance.
“I have had concerns, and I want to make it clear that I believe we should legalize marijuana,” she expressed. “However, in addition to legalization, we also need to prioritize research on the impact of weed on the developing brain.
This is why we should move it up the schedule to allow for comprehensive studies. It’s important to understand how marijuana affects the cognitive development and judgment of individuals between the ages of 18 and 24, when the brain is still undergoing crucial growth.”
Harris faced criticism for her response because of her past involvement in prosecuting the substance, especially considering the racial disparities in punishments across the country. However, her new proposal aims to address these historical inequalities.
But is it sufficient?
In the past week, Harris has been actively campaigning in Black communities, making stops at various local Black-owned businesses and churches in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. She has also appeared on multiple media programs that cater to predominantly Black audiences.
During a moderated conversation hosted by the National Association of Black Journalists in September, Harris emphasized her commitment to earning the vote rather than assuming she would receive it based solely on her identity as a Black woman.
Harris’s campaign kicked off a “Black Men Huddle” organizing call on Monday, where campaign senior officials Tony West, Brian Nelson, Quentin Fulks, and Rep. Cedric Richmond delivered remarks. Additionally, a weekly event was held to highlight the support of Black men for Harris, with actor Don Cheadle making an appearance.
According to Fulks, the vice president is equipping us with the necessary resources to engage in meaningful and impactful conversations with Black men. When they question what’s in it for them, we now have policies and tools that allow us to provide a clear response.
ABC News spoke with Black men in Pittsburgh’s predominantly Black Homewood Brushton neighborhood last Friday to gather their thoughts on Harris and what she would need to do to secure their vote.
Aaron Stuckey emphasizes that it is important not to make assumptions about the support of Black men for Harris. He suggested that instead of making assumptions, we should consult with us directly.