With three weeks remaining until the November 5 election, Kamala Harris is intensifying her outreach to African-American voters, particularly Black men, who have shown less support for her compared to previous Democratic candidates. On October 14, her campaign unveiled the 'Opportunity for Black Men' agenda, which includes a series of proposals aimed at improving economic opportunities for this demographic. The plan proposes to provide one million forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs, facilitating the establishment of small businesses and trades.
In addition to economic support, the agenda includes initiatives for training and apprenticeships, as well as prioritized access to education professions. Harris also aims to launch a national health initiative targeting diseases that disproportionately affect Black men and to legalize recreational marijuana nationwide, which she argues will create new economic opportunities in this emerging industry.
This strategic push comes amid a tightening race against Donald Trump, with recent polls indicating a decline in support for Harris among Black and Latino voters. Former President Barack Obama recently criticized Black voters for their hesitance to support a female candidate, further highlighting the stakes of Harris's efforts to engage this crucial voter base. Harris's campaign plans to host gender-specific events, including 'Black Men Huddle Up' gatherings featuring prominent African-American male celebrities.
