Vice President Kamala Harris is making a big promise to Black voters that could shape the 2024 presidential election. On Monday, she’s announcing plans to legalize recreational marijuana, protect cryptocurrency assets, and offer 1 million loans to Black entrepreneurs. These moves are all part of her strategy to win over Black voters, especially Black men, who could be a deciding factor in the race against her main opponent, former President Donald Trump.
What’s Harris Promising?
Harris is focused on giving Black Americans more opportunities, and her announcement includes some bold promises:
- Legalizing Marijuana: Harris wants to make recreational marijuana legal nationwide. She’s also promising to create opportunities for Black Americans to thrive in the cannabis industry, which has been booming since legalization in many states.
- Protecting Cryptocurrency: More than 20% of Black Americans have owned or currently own cryptocurrency, according to Harris’ campaign. She plans to introduce new rules that protect digital assets like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to ensure they’re safe for investors.
- Loans for Black Entrepreneurs: Harris aims to offer 1 million forgivable loans of up to $20,000 each to help Black entrepreneurs start businesses. These loans won’t need to be paid back, making them a big boost for anyone looking to start or grow a business.
- Investing in Black Teachers and Leaders: She’s also looking to improve education and leadership opportunities in Black communities by investing in Black male teachers and providing more mentorship and leadership programs like the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative.
- Tackling Health Issues for Black Men: Harris is launching a National Health Equity Initiative focused on improving health outcomes for Black men. This plan will address diseases like sickle cell, diabetes, prostate cancer, and mental health challenges that disproportionately affect Black men.
The Bigger Picture
Harris knows that she needs the support of Black voters, especially Black men, to win the election. But polls show that some Black men are turning toward Trump, or even thinking about not voting at all. This is a big concern for Harris and other Democrats, who are now working hard to reverse this trend.
Former President Barack Obama recently weighed in, too. He’s been urging Black men to support Harris, saying that their reluctance may be partly due to discomfort with the idea of having a woman as president. He’s been direct, telling Black men to “get over” any hesitations about voting for Harris. But some groups, like the Black Men for Trump Advisory Board, were offended by Obama’s remarks, calling them “insulting” and saying that Black voters aren’t a monolith who automatically support someone just because of their race.
Harris’ Strategy to Win Over Black Men
Harris’ new plan is part of what she calls her “Opportunity Economy.” She wants to build an economy where Black men can not only survive but also thrive—buying homes, starting businesses, and building wealth for their families. She’s meeting with Black men across the country, including in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she’s holding a rally. Later, she’ll visit Black entrepreneurs in Detroit and participate in a town hall hosted by Charlamagne tha God, a popular Black radio host known for his no-nonsense approach to politics.
As the election draws closer, Harris and her team plan to increase their outreach to Black men, partnering with influential figures in the community and engaging with Black business owners. This outreach is crucial as polls show a tight race between Harris and Trump, with both candidates neck and neck.
Harris’ promises of legal marijuana, cryptocurrency protection, and business loans could be game-changers in securing the Black male vote. But with some Black men skeptical of both parties, Harris has a lot of work to do to convince them that she’s the best choice for their future.
