Harris releases agenda for Black men as she ramps up effort to court them

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Washington Post

October 14, 2024 at 5:00 a.m. EDT


Vice President Kamala Harris is making a major push this week to boost her support among Black men, as Democratic leaders warn that she needs to do more to boost enthusiasm from a key group that former president Donald Trump has been courting with some success.

In coming days, Harris plans to travel to urban locales including Detroit, Philadelphia and Erie, Pa., where she will be meeting with Black entrepreneurs and highlighting what her campaign is calling an “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men.” Aides say the proposals are aimed at helping Black men build wealth, expanding their access to lending and providing additional tools to support those trying to start or expand businesses.

There is growing public concern among Democratic lawmakers, activists and community leaders that Harris is trailing past Democratic nominees among Black men, a softness in support that pollsters and campaign officials say could be significant in a close race. Some Democrats acknowledged that some Black men may feel the party has not always focused on them or fulfilled its promises to their community.

Harris’s initiative is “a continuation of the vice president’s commitment and a focus to specifically talk to Black men, who have felt left out and marginalized even within the Democratic Party at times,” deputy principal campaign manager Quentin Fulks said. “That is something that I don’t think is unique to Vice President Harris, but as president and as leader of the Democratic Party, it’s something that she knows that we need to do and we need to address.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/14/kamala-harris-black-men-agenda/

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1. Great details:

Harris’s “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men” includes a pledge to provide a million forgivable $20,000 loans to Black entrepreneurs and others to start businesses, an initiative that would come in addition to Harris’s proposed $50,000 tax deduction for small businesses.

The plan also includes proposals to invest more in apprenticeships in Black neighborhoods; to recruit and retain more Black male teachers; and to launch a health equity initiative, which would address health challenges that disproportionately affect Black men. The vice president will also highlight her support for legalizing recreational marijuana and will advocate for Black men to take a greater role in the national cannabis industry.