“The history of the United States is a story about the disenfranchisement of millions based on their Blackness. More than a hundred years of violent voter suppression, poll taxes, literacy tests, and gerrymandering have created a climate that is nothing shy of hostile towards Black men that choose to stand up and be a part of the electoral process.” — The Black Male Voter Project
In a presidential campaign that has been overwhelmingly centered on the issues of women’s reproductive rights, immigration, and taxation of the ultra-wealthy, it would be understandable if we — especially the younger ones among us — didn’t feel the same sense of urgency about voting as other groups.
Former President Barack Obama last week drew criticism for pointing out, “we have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running.” But a poll released this week backed him up: only 64% of Black voters and 49% of voters under 34 are enthusiastic about the election. Compare that with 93% of Black voters and 83% of young voters who said they were enthusiastic when Obama first ran for the office in 2008.
But apathy is not what I’m seeing among the young Black men I’ve met as I travel the nation as part of the National Urban League’s Reclaim Your Vote initiative. I see thoughtfulness. I see concern. I see pride. And I do see some skepticism.
It’s not only fair, but imperative to wonder whether the candidates will live up to their promises. It’s fair to weigh their past actions against their words. That’s what it means to be a responsible citizen.
What’s neither fair nor responsible is to fall for misinformation or divisive rhetoric and to a let your voice be silenced.
Vice President Kamala Harris this week unveiled an economic agenda aimed at creating opportunity for Black men. It includes forgivable small business loans to boost entrepreneurship, job training and mentorship, and the legalization of marijuana with a focus on opportunities to succeed in the recreational marijuana industry.
Donald Trump has not issued a policy proposal aimed specifically at Black men. He has claimed that immigrants are taking Black jobs, and that his criminal indictments have boosted his appeal to Black men victimized by an unjust legal system.
The vice president told the National Association of Black Journalists in September, “It’s very important to not operate from the assumption that Black men are in anybody’s pocket. Black men are like any other voting group: You gotta earn their vote.”
Speaking to the same group in July, Trump touted his support for opportunity zones and funding for HBCUs while suggesting the vice president is not authentically Black.
As my fellow New Orleanian Wendell Pierce said in his own message to Black men, “Vote for what you want. Declare what your values are then go out and make the choice on that.”
Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.