Every election year, it has become a tradition for the media to shift their attention towards Black voters. After months of relative inattention, they suddenly become intensely focused on us: who we will vote for, what issues we care about, and whether we hold the key to victory in various states and cities.
The spotlight is firmly on the role of Black men in the current race, where a Black woman is making history by leading a major party ticket.
While it is concerning that the political world tends to overlook our community until election season, it is crucial to understand the significance of this focus, especially given the high stakes involved this year.
Polls indicate that there is slightly less support for Harris among Black men compared to the support Biden received in the 2020 election. Analysts have attempted to understand the reasons behind this, leading to some controversy, including former President Barack Obama.
However, we cannot dismiss the valid concerns raised by some individuals who doubt that investing in our political system will bring about the desired change that many
Black men are seeking. These include access to well-paying jobs, economic security for their families, and a life filled with purpose and dignity.
It is unfortunate that among Black men, there exists a sense of cynicism regarding whether casting their vote once again will truly have a significant impact. This cynicism is grounded in the harsh realities they have faced.
Donald Trump has proven himself to be a skilled wielder of voter frustration and the diminishing trust in our institutions, particularly among working-class voters.
It is crucial to understand the following: Harris provides Black men and Black families with significantly more opportunities for positive change than Trump does, according to all reasonable measurements.
She is directly addressing us, making her closing arguments. Even if you believe that this should have occurred earlier, it is still worth paying attention now.
Harris’s Opportunity Agenda for Black men addresses the reality that not all individuals are benefiting from the improving post-pandemic economy. It focuses on providing support such as small business loans for Black entrepreneurs and training programs for employment in emerging industries.
The Project 2025 agenda, developed by The Heritage Foundation and co-authored by former Trump officials, poses a significant threat to the well-being of Black men and families.
This is because when our freedoms are curtailed, civil rights laws are weakened, worker protections are diminished, and access to reproductive care is limited, communities of color bear the brunt of these consequences.
These realities are undeniable, and if Black men have not received this message, it indicates that there is still work to be done by the campaign and the broader progressive coalition.
It is important to note that this is not an attempt to solely place responsibility on Black men, as we are all too familiar with the dynamic of unfairly blaming Black voters when candidates do not succeed.
Voting is the first step towards enacting meaningful change this year. We possess both the ability and the collective strength to make a difference; all that remains is for us to exercise our rights.