Harris Unveils New Plan to Empower Black Men

Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Plan to Empower Black Men as Cannabis Industry Takes Shape

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris has unveiled a new “opportunity agenda for Black men,” aiming to enhance economic opportunities for this critical voting bloc. The agenda includes measures to provide financial support for Black entrepreneurs, create apprenticeships, and improve health care. Notably, Harris is committed to ensuring that Black men have opportunities to participate in the growing national cannabis industry, which she supports legalizing.

Black Men and the National Cannabis Industry

One of the key components of Harris’ plan is ensuring that Black men can benefit as the U.S. cannabis industry takes shape. Harris, a long-time supporter of cannabis legalization, aims to break down barriers preventing Black entrepreneurs from entering the industry. The federal prohibition of marijuana has disproportionately affected Black communities, and Harris’ policy seeks to reverse some of these historical inequities by providing Black men with access to business opportunities within the emerging legal market.

Harris’ plan also includes forgivable loans for Black business owners, helping to establish new cannabis-related ventures as the industry expands. By offering financial support and removing obstacles to entry, Harris hopes to create a pathway for Black men to participate and thrive in this multibillion-dollar sector.

A High-Stakes Push for Black Male Voters

Harris’ new proposals come as her campaign works to energize Black male voters, a demographic that has traditionally supported Democrats but may feel disengaged in the current election cycle. Harris’ plan includes forgivable business loans for Black entrepreneurs, particularly those with innovative ideas to start businesses, and it also promises apprenticeships and credentialing opportunities in Black communities.

Harris’ team is keenly aware of the challenges in keeping this voter base engaged. Former President Barack Obama recently pointed out that some Black men may feel uncertain about voting for a woman as president. To counteract this, Harris’ campaign is organizing “Black Men Huddle Up” events across key battleground states, featuring African American male celebrities and watch parties for NFL and NCAA football games. The goal is to directly engage Black men in an inclusive and meaningful way ahead of Election Day.

Addressing Economic Inequities

Cedric Richmond, co-chair of Harris’ campaign and a former Louisiana congressman, emphasized the economic aspect of the plan, saying, “Harris wants to build an economy where Black men are equipped with the tools to thrive: to buy a home, provide for our families, start a business, and build wealth.”

Harris’ proposal includes partnerships between the Small Business Administration and community banks, which are set to distribute up to 1 million forgivable loans of $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs. This initiative is designed to ensure that aspiring business owners, particularly those in the cannabis industry, have access to the resources necessary to succeed.

Broader Policy Focus: Education, Health, and Cryptocurrency

In addition to economic empowerment, Harris’ agenda for Black men extends into other areas, such as education and health care. Harris aims to offer federal incentives to encourage more Black men to become teachers, noting that Black males represent only about 1% of the public school teaching workforce. To further this effort, she plans to expand federal programs that forgive educational loans for public service, encouraging Black men to pursue teaching careers.

The vice president’s plan also includes a national initiative to better fund research and treatment for diseases that disproportionately affect Black men, such as sickle cell disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer. These efforts are designed to improve health outcomes in African American communities and ensure that Black men receive adequate medical care and attention.

Harris has also focused on cryptocurrency, a growing area of interest among Black male voters. She plans to introduce a regulatory framework to protect investors in digital assets, ensuring that Black men who invest in cryptocurrency are safeguarded from risks in this rapidly evolving market.

Campaign Strategies and the Road Ahead

With weeks left before Election Day, Harris is focusing on key battleground states where Black men could be pivotal in deciding the outcome. In Erie, Pennsylvania, Harris will visit a Black-owned small business and hold a campaign rally to discuss her agenda directly with voters.

The Harris campaign has made concerted efforts to appeal to male voters more broadly, including Hispanic men, with the formation of “Hombres con Harris,” which focuses on building support among Latino voters. These initiatives aim to strengthen Harris’ appeal across demographic lines as she competes against Republican former President Donald Trump.

Despite strong support from Black Americans in the 2020 election, Harris’ advisers are wary of complacency, knowing that a lack of voter turnout, particularly among Black men, could have significant implications for the election. The former president has been actively courting Black and Hispanic voters, holding roundtables with Black entrepreneurs in key swing states and seeking to stoke racial divisions by framing immigration as a threat to jobs for Black and Hispanic Americans.

Vice President Kamala Harris’ plan to boost economic opportunities for Black men comes at a critical juncture in the 2024 election. By supporting the growing cannabis industry, creating pathways for entrepreneurship, and addressing key health and education disparities, Harris hopes to galvanize Black male voters and ensure their voices are heard. As Election Day approaches, her campaign’s targeted efforts reflect a broader strategy to keep African American men engaged and motivated to vote.