### Vice President Kamala Harris Unveils Plan to Boost Economic Opportunities for Black Men

In a strategic move to galvanize a critical voting demographic, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a comprehensive plan focused on improving economic opportunities for Black men. With the upcoming election drawing near, Harris aims to address concerns about a possible lack of voter enthusiasm amongst African American males.

The vice president's proposal includes the introduction of forgivable business loans for Black entrepreneurs, expanded apprenticeship programs, and increased research into diseases like sickle cell that disproportionately affect Black men. Harris has also emphasized her support for the legalization of marijuana, advocating for opportunities for Black men in the emerging national cannabis industry. Additionally, she calls for better regulation of cryptocurrency to protect Black men and other investors in digital assets.

Harris revealed her "opportunity agenda for Black men" during a campaign stop in Erie, Pennsylvania. This event was planned ahead of a visit to a Black-owned small business and a campaign rally, reflecting her commitment to this initiative. The announcement follows former President Barack Obama's remarks last week, where he noted that some Black men might be hesitant about the prospect of having a woman as president.

In a similar vein to her campaign's efforts to court Hispanic voters through the "Hombres con Harris" group, Harris' team will host gender-specific events like "Black Men Huddle Up." These gatherings, featuring African American male celebrities, will take place in battleground states and include activities such as watch parties for NFL and NCAA football games. The campaign is also preparing new testimonial ads featuring local Black male voices in key states.

Cedric Richmond, co-chair of the Harris campaign, highlighted the vice president's vision for an economy where Black men can thrive—own homes, start businesses, and build wealth. While Joe Biden received overwhelming support from Black Americans in the 2020 election, Harris advisers are more concerned with potential low voter turnout rather than a significant switch to her opponent, Republican former President Donald Trump.

The vice president's latest proposals feature a promise to distribute 1 million loans of up to $20,000 to deserving Black entrepreneurs. This initiative would be backed by partnerships between the Small Business Administration, community leaders, and committed local banks. Harris is also targeting the educational sector, aiming to increase the representation of Black male teachers, who constituted just over 1% of public school teachers in the 2020-21 period. Incentives for African American men to train as educators and the expansion of loan forgiveness programs for public service roles are integral parts of her plan.

Moreover, Harris is focused on better protecting investors in the growing cryptocurrency market through a proposed regulatory framework. A national initiative to fund research into health issues predominantly affecting Black men, such as sickle cell disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer, is also on her agenda.

A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows strong support for Harris, with about 70% of Black voters favoring her leadership over Trump's on critical issues like the economy, health care, and immigration. The level of support is notably consistent among both Black men and women.

Harris' campaign is clearly taking significant steps to ensure robust voter engagement within the Black male community as the election approaches.