On Monday, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris unveiled her “Opportunity Agenda” targeting Black men, featuring a bold initiative to provide one million forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs. This announcement comes as Harris aims to secure greater support from Black male voters in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential race.
Harris’ campaign co-chair, Cedric Richmond, described the agenda as part of her vision for an “Opportunity Economy,” where Black men can thrive, build wealth, and achieve financial independence. “This agenda is a further realization of Vice President Harris’ Opportunity Economy,” Richmond said in a statement. “An economy where people don’t just get by, but get ahead—where Black men are equipped with the tools to thrive: to buy a home, provide for their families, start a business, and build wealth,” as reported by CNBC.
The plan promises up to $20,000 in forgivable loans for each of the one million Black entrepreneurs, in partnership with community banks, mission-driven lenders, and the Small Business Administration. These loans are designed to help Black entrepreneurs start businesses, providing financial access that Harris says has historically been lacking.
In addition to the loan program, Harris’ agenda includes mentorship and job training programs to help Black men enter high-demand industries. The plan also outlines increased investments in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to recruit and retain Black male teachers, offering student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service in qualifying nonprofit or government jobs.
Another key part of the agenda is Harris’ commitment to federal marijuana legalization. Harris has pledged to ensure that Black men—disproportionately targeted by the justice system for marijuana-related offenses—will have access to economic opportunities in the growing cannabis industry. “She will fight to ensure that as the national cannabis industry takes shape, Black men… are able to access wealth and jobs in this new market,” the campaign stated.
Harris’ push comes as polls show a divide among Black voters. A New York Times/Sienna College poll released on Saturday found that 78% of Black voters support Harris, compared to 15% for Trump. However, Black male voters show more fluctuation, with 20% indicating they plan to vote for Trump, compared to 70% backing Harris. For Black women, Harris maintains stronger support, with 83% pledging to vote for her and 12% for Trump.
Harris’ “Opportunity Agenda” aims to shift those numbers, targeting Black men with promises of financial empowerment, job creation, and wealth-building opportunities.
