Today, Vice President Kamala Harris introduced a comprehensive Opportunity Agenda for Black men as part of the Harris-Walz campaign’s effort to connect with Black voters. This agenda aims to empower Black men to achieve financial independence, access healthcare, and benefit from educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Harris emphasized the importance of not just getting by, but creating a pathway for Black men to thrive and become change-makers in their communities.
Forgivable Loans for Black Entrepreneurs
Harris’s plan includes the provision of one million forgivable loans to help Black entrepreneurs launch businesses. These loans of up to $20,000 will be accessible to those with promising ideas but limited access to capital. This initiative is supported by a partnership between the Small Business Administration and community-focused lenders, allowing more Black entrepreneurs to start businesses in underserved areas.
Education, Training, and Mentorship Initiatives
The Opportunity Agenda promotes pathways for Black men to access high-paying jobs in in-demand fields. Key aspects include increasing the number of Black male teachers, enhancing registered apprenticeship programs, and supporting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Additionally, Harris is focused on expanding programs like My Brother’s Keeper to foster leadership skills in young Black men.
Health Equity and Support for Black Men
Recognizing the health disparities affecting Black men, Harris has also outlined a National Health Equity Initiative. The initiative will address conditions like sickle cell disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer. Plans include capping insulin costs, expanding preventative screenings, and increasing funding for minority health programs.
Embracing Cryptocurrency and Legalizing Marijuana
Harris proposes a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency to ensure the safety of Black investors in this emerging market. She also advocates for the national legalization of marijuana, aiming to provide economic opportunities in a new industry that has historically penalized Black communities.
Michigan Events and Community Engagement
The Harris-Walz campaign will host several events across Michigan to engage Black men and spotlight the Opportunity Agenda:
- “Black Men Huddle Up” NFL Watch Party: Today, the campaign will host an event in Detroit, MI, featuring Black male celebrities, influencers, and activists. Attendees can connect over sports, discuss the election, and learn how the agenda addresses the specific needs of Michigan’s Black community.
- Economic Freedom Talk in Detroit: Additionally, the campaign will hold an Economic Freedom Talk in Detroit today. Led by national business advocates Dr. Lakeysha “Key” Hallmon and Ryan Wilson, this session will focus on entrepreneurship and financial empowerment for Black business owners in Michigan. It will provide valuable insights into Harris’s plans to support small businesses and create wealth-building opportunities in the state.
- Organizing Call on October 15th: Following a town hall with Charlamagne tha God in Detroit, the campaign will host a “Black Men Huddle Up” organizing call to engage with Michigan voters and discuss the issues most important to them.
In addition to these new events, the campaign is also ramping up community organizing across Michigan with Shop Talk series, Brother to Brother canvass events, and a Black men’s forum in Detroit. The agenda is bolstered by new paid media testimonials from local Black men, sharing their stories and their support for Vice President Harris’s vision for Michigan and beyond.
With this Opportunity Agenda and the Michigan-focused events, Vice President Harris and the Harris-Walz campaign are doubling down on their commitment to Black men, aiming to equip them with the tools they need to build successful futures and achieve their dreams.
