Kamala Harris has released a slate of policy proposals geared toward Black men.
The plan, which Harris’ campaign is calling an “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” comes as she seeks to shore up support from Black voters with early voting underway. It also comes amid discussion, fueled in part by former President Barack Obama, about Harris’ support among Black men.
Harris made direct inroads with Black men in the lead-up to the 2020 campaign that appeared to be fruitful, and the Democratic presidential nominee’s latest proposal seems designed to double down on those efforts. Her proposal, unveiled Monday, includes:
- 1 million fully forgivable loans of up to $20,000 for Black business owners and others looking to start businesses.
- A national initiative to focus on Black men’s disparate health outcomes.
- More investment in education, mentorship and training programs designed to funnel Black men into good-paying, high-demand jobs in fields where they are underrepresented and desperately needed, like teaching.
- Supporting regulation to protect Black men and others who invest in and own cryptocurrencies.
- Legalizing recreational marijuana and creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in this budding industry.
Harris has been sitting for interviews with Black-focused media outlets to spread the word. On Monday, journalist Roland Martin released an interview he did with Harris in Greenville, North Carolina, as did The Shade Room. Harris addressed Obama’s remarks about some Black men being misogynistic by saying she intends to win their votes earnestly and that people ought to listen to Obama’s remarks in full for the parts about the grave danger Trump poses.
As I’ve noted in the past, The Shade Room is an online tabloid ostensibly geared toward Black audiences, despite being known for peddling far-right conspiracy theories and propaganda. So admittedly, I am a bit torn in my thoughts on Harris’ sit-down with them. On one hand, the vice president is, in a way, helping promote a platform known for spewing toxicity and lies into the social and political arenas. At the same time, with this particular interview she’s likely to reach a lot of people who’ve been bombarded with disinformation about her and President Joe Biden’s record.
One thing is for certain: She’s leaving no stone unturned when it comes to informing the public about whom and what she stands for.
Ja’han Jones is an MS NOW opinion blogger. He previously wrote The ReidOut Blog.