Fatshimetrie Magazine followed Vice President Kamala Harris’ captivating visit to a black-owned art gallery in Detroit. Joined by renowned actors Don Cheadle, Delroy Lindo, and Cornelius Smith Jr., Harris engaged in an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for black men. The move is part of her strategy to engage with this key constituency and shine a spotlight on critical economic justice issues.
The Vice President unveiled her “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” an ambitious plan to provide new economic opportunities, including business loans of up to $20,000 with the possibility of debt forgiveness for entrepreneurs, and the expansion of apprenticeship programs. The plan also includes funding for research into diseases such as sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affect black men.
In a context where mobilizing black voters is crucial, Harris’ commitment to black men was underscored by the presence of former President Barack Obama on her campaign tour. In a speech in Pittsburgh, Obama highlighted the importance of black voters, but acknowledged some reluctance within the group, saying, “Some people are just not sold on the idea of having a woman as president.” While the campaign does not fear a major swing of black voters to the Republican camp, it remains vigilant against the possibility of voter apathy that could affect turnout.
For his part, former President Donald Trump, in a speech in Atlanta, urged his supporters to take full advantage of the early voting already underway in several states. “I’m hearing very good things,” he said at the rally, noting the early turnout records that have been set. He encouraged his supporters to return their mail-in ballots immediately or vote in person as soon as possible, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout in securing Republican victories.
While both candidates are focusing on key constituencies, Harris’ campaign is working to keep Black voters engaged, while Trump’s team is focused on mobilizing early-voters, particularly in key swing states like Georgia and Arizona. With early voting now in full swing, voter turnout is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the 2024 election.