As the upcoming election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a pivotal question: Will they effectively address Black men’s unique needs and priorities in America? Vice President Kamala Harris’s recently announced Opportunity Agenda for Black Men aims to answer this question, presenting a comprehensive plan centered on wealth-building, healthcare, employment, and criminal justice reform. However, while the plan is ambitious, Black men have heard similar promises and are still waiting for real change. Considering the issues Black men have voiced for years, Harris’s plan offers some valuable steps forward yet still leaves critical gaps. The potential impact of this plan on Black men’s votes cannot be understated, making it crucial for the Democratic Party to take more decisive action.
The Strengths of Harris’s Plan
Harris’s agenda includes several elements that respond to the key issues Black men consistently face, including access to capital, healthcare disparities, police reform, and now, vocational training. Her plan proposes one million forgivable loans for Black entrepreneurs, reduces degree requirements for federal jobs, and doubles the number of registered apprenticeships. These initiatives could help Black men achieve financial security and build wealth within their communities—an objective they have long fought for.
The plan’s emphasis on vocational training is especially timely. Recent labor market data reveals a looming shortage of skilled tradespeople: the U.S. is projected to face a deficit of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, and the demand for electricians is set to grow twice as fast as the average for all occupations through 2032. These shortages signal significant opportunities for those willing to pursue careers in skilled trades, which can often provide high-paying and stable employment without requiring a college degree. By promoting vocational training as a viable path to success, Harris’s agenda aligns well with the current labor market and directly addresses employment disparities affecting Black men.
The healthcare aspects of the plan also go further than many others. The proposed National Health Equity Initiative targets conditions that disproportionately affect Black men, such as diabetes, sickle cell disease, and prostate cancer. By capping prescription costs and expanding preventive screenings, Harris’s agenda acknowledges the healthcare disparities that have devastated Black men’s health outcomes and seeks to offer some relief.
On Police Reform, Harris’s support for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a positive step, aiming to establish federal standards for police conduct and accountability. Black men have long been vocal about the violence they experience at the hands of law enforcement—even in Democratic-run cities—and the agenda takes a step toward addressing this persistent issue. Although promising, questions remain about its effectiveness, given the limits on federal oversight.
Where Harris’s Plan Falls Short
While Harris’s Opportunity Agenda is commendable in many respects, it falls short in areas that matter deeply to Black men. Notably, the plan lacks a clear stance on Reparations—a critical issue for Black Americans who view reparations as essential for addressing the centuries of economic and social injustice that continue to affect their communities. By failing to commit to a path toward reparations, the plan risks coming across as another package of well-meaning but incomplete policies that ignore the historical injustices underpinning today’s disparities.
Another significant gap is the lack of focus on Black veterans, who make up a large portion of the military and often face unique challenges upon returning home. Conflicts like the Israel-Gaza war highlight questions about America’s spending priorities, and Black men see billions of dollars allocated to overseas interventions while their communities are left underfunded. Black veterans, in particular, often return to insufficient support for mental health, housing, and job placement. Harris’s plan overlooks these specific needs, leaving Black veterans to navigate an unsupported and often hostile system.
Additionally, while the plan proposes police reform, The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act has constitutional limitations that prevent the federal government from directly enforcing these reforms locally. The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not explicitly granted to the federal government to the states or the people, including control over public safety and policing. This division of power makes it constitutionally impossible for federal legislation like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to directly impose reforms on over 18,000 local, county, and state police departments across the country. Thus, even in Democratic-led cities, police brutality frequently goes unchecked, with local governments failing to hold officers accountable consistently. For Black men, police violence is not an isolated issue; it is a constant reminder that their safety and well-being are often deprioritized. Harris’s plan may address some aspects of reform, but its impact remains limited without stricter accountability measures and systemic change.
Support for Criminal Justice Reform Beyond Policing:
The plan could also expand its criminal justice reforms to address systemic issues within the broader legal system. Black men are disproportionately affected by harsh sentencing laws, mandatory minimums, and a lack of rehabilitation-focused programs. Initiatives aimed at reforming sentencing laws, supporting re-entry programs, and expanding restorative justice practices could provide Black men with a more comprehensive approach to criminal justice reform that goes beyond police interactions.
Broader Issues and Potential Additions
Harris’s plan could address the systemic nature of Racial Discrimination within Financial Systems to strengthen the Opportunity Agenda further. While she proposes providing access to loans and banking options, the plan could take a more robust stance on combatting discriminatory lending practices, which systematically deny Black men the capital necessary to start businesses or buy homes. Increased oversight of financial institutions and targeted anti-discrimination measures would further enhance the plan’s wealth-building initiatives.
Focusing on Environmental Justice and Clean Energy Jobs would also benefit Black communities, many facing high pollution levels. Creating opportunities for Black men to work in emerging industries like renewable energy would address environmental disparities and provide a pathway to economic advancement.
Moreover, expanding mental health support beyond veterans would strengthen the plan. Black men, in general, face higher levels of stress, trauma, and limited access to mental health resources. Integrating mental health services within community centers and public schools, along with culturally competent care programs, would show a more holistic approach to addressing the mental health crisis among Black men.
Explicit Commitment to Accountability Mechanisms:
The plan could benefit from more apparent accountability mechanisms to address Black men’s skepticism about political promises. For example, the Democratic Party could commit to regular progress reports on these initiatives, including input from community leaders, advocates, and Black men. Establishing a transparent oversight body or advisory council that includes Black male leaders would demonstrate a commitment to implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the plan’s impact. This measure would offer Black men a tangible way to hold leadership accountable and ensure their needs are being addressed.
Incorporating these elements would create a more comprehensive and robust agenda that addresses the needs of Black men across a broader spectrum. This approach would help illustrate the Democratic Party’s commitment to responding to immediate needs and building sustainable pathways for Black men’s future success.
A Path Forward for Black Men and the Democratic Party
Harris’s Opportunity Agenda for Black Men has the potential to significantly and positively impact the lives of many Black men across the country. The proposed loans, healthcare initiatives, and job programs are solid steps forward and respond to some of the long-standing issues Black men have consistently raised. This potential for change should inspire hope and optimism in the Democratic Party and the Black community.
The Democratic Party must recognize that Black men’s loyalty is not infinite. Black men want tangible results, and they are increasingly frustrated with leaders who speak passionately about reform but fail to implement meaningful changes. Harris’s plan shows promise but will require follow-through and a genuine, unwavering commitment to addressing issues like reparations, support for Black veterans, and a courageous stance on police accountability.
Suppose the Democratic Party is serious about securing the Black male vote. In that case, it must do more than offer ambitious plans—it must act decisively and transparently to fulfill its promises. Black men deserve a government that sees them, hears them, and honors their contributions to American society by investing in their futures. Harris’s plan is a step in the right direction, but if the Democratic Party truly wants to earn Black men’s votes, it must go further. Black men are ready to support leaders who demonstrate accountability and commitment to addressing their needs. The question is, will the Democrats rise to the occasion, or will this be another election cycle where promises to Black men go unfulfilled?
