A weekly gathering at the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA in Atlanta known as the Black Man Lab provides a safe and healing space for Black men in metropolitan Atlanta. This sanctuary allows over 100 men to gather each Monday evening to pray, meditate, and discuss their challenges and triumphs. The recent meeting following President Joe Biden’s suspension of his reelection campaign sparked discussions about the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris and the potential for a Black woman to win the presidency. This has reignited discussions amongst Black men about their influence in the upcoming election.
Black male voters are traditionally Democratic-leaning, but both major parties are now targeting Black men, especially those under 40, as attainable voters. The turnout and support of Black men in the election could prove decisive in November. Issues like wealth creation, entrepreneurship, police reform, and anti-discrimination policies are becoming top priorities for younger Black men. The Black church, traditionally influential in the Black community, is now being viewed as a potential turnoff for some younger Black Americans, leading to a shift in political preferences.
The entrance of Vice President Kamala Harris into the presidential race has spurred a surge in organizing among Black male allies. A virtual conference tailored for Black men following Biden’s endorsement of Harris raised over $1.3 million and garnered more than 53,000 attendees. The event was organized by Win With Black Men, a collective of Black male-led groups, which has continued to engage organizers targeting Black men. The fundraising efforts will support organizations nationwide for Black male engagement.
The Harris campaign has revamped its outreach to Black men, focusing on messages of wealth and health that align with the priorities of Black male voters. The Democratic National Committee has launched “Chop It Up” town halls for Black men in battleground states, aiming to address skepticism and engage Black men in political discourse. Meanwhile, Republicans see an opportunity to make inroads with Black men by addressing their longstanding frustrations with the political system. Black Republicans have hosted events in various cities to garner support for President Trump’s message among Black men.
For many attendees at the Black Man Lab event, the upcoming election is an opportunity to ensure their interests are taken into account at the highest levels of government. The community and support provided by the event have been instrumental in transforming the lives of many Black men, offering them guidance and a sense of belonging. The presidential race, especially with the candidacy of Vice President Harris, is seen as a chance for Black men to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed. The engagement and mobilization efforts targeting Black men from both political parties highlight the significance of this demographic in the upcoming election.
