Democratic vice president and U.S. presidential nominee Kamala Harris revealed a new plan to support Black men with an “Opportunity Agenda.” The proposal includes offering 1 million forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for Black Americans in the legalized marijuana industry. Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Harris campaign co-chair, highlighted the importance of this agenda in promoting economic advancement and wealth-building for Black men.
The plan involves providing fully forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs to help them start businesses. These loans will be funded through partnerships with mission-driven lenders, community banks, and the Small Business Administration. Additionally, the agenda includes training programs and mentorship opportunities to assist Black men in securing jobs in high-demand industries. There will also be increased investments in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to recruit and retain Black male teachers, as they are currently underrepresented in the field.
Harris aims to increase her support among Black male voters with these initiatives as the presidential race with former President Donald Trump intensifies. If elected, Harris would become the first Black woman and the first South Asian person to hold the office of the President of the United States. She has also pledged to support federal marijuana legalization, going beyond the current administration’s stance on cannabis.
Furthermore, Harris plans to address digital assets, recognizing that a significant percentage of Black Americans own or have owned cryptocurrency. Her campaign promises to establish a regulatory framework to protect individuals participating in the digital asset market, ensuring that Black men can access opportunities and wealth in this sector.
While polls indicate strong support for Harris among Black voters, recent surveys show that a small percentage of Black likely voters are considering voting for Trump. Harris hopes to bridge this gap by presenting a clear contrast between her policies and those of the former president. She has criticized Trump’s association with the Project 2025 agenda, which proposes cuts to education and safety net programs.
In the final weeks leading up to the election, Harris is focused on engaging with Black voters and demonstrating her commitment to addressing racial inequalities and economic disparities. By unveiling these initiatives to support Black men, Harris aims to show her dedication to creating opportunities for marginalized communities and promoting economic empowerment. Her proposals highlight the importance of advancing racial equity and building a more inclusive economy for all Americans.
