Kamala Harris Launches Historic Plan to Boost Economic Freedom and Opportunity for Black Men in America

Today, Vice President Kamala Harris introduced an ambitious Opportunity Agenda for Black men, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at addressing the systemic barriers Black men face while creating pathways to economic success, health equity, and criminal justice reform. Drawing from insights gained throughout her career and during her Economic Opportunity Tour, Harris is focusing on providing Black men with the resources to achieve financial freedom, protect their rights, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In a powerful statement, Harris emphasized that the goal is not just about helping Black men get by—it’s about making sure they have the opportunity to thrive. “It’s time we break down barriers and create real opportunities for Black men to lead in their communities, build wealth, and secure their futures,” she said. Here’s a closer look at some of the key pillars of her Opportunity Agenda:

1. Financial Empowerment for Black Entrepreneurs

Harris is prioritizing economic freedom by committing to offer 1 million fully forgivable loans of up to $20,000 each to Black entrepreneurs and others in underserved communities. These loans aim to break down the capital access barriers that have traditionally held Black business owners back. In collaboration with the Small Business Administration, this program will work with trusted community lenders to help aspiring entrepreneurs launch businesses and create jobs.

Additionally, the Vice President is proposing to increase the tax deduction for small business start-up expenses from $5,000 to $50,000, allowing Black men to invest more in their business ventures. This is part of a broader effort to support innovation hubs, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and boost small business growth in communities where it’s needed most.

2. Expanding Job Opportunities and Career Training

To ensure Black men have access to good-paying jobs, Harris is championing educational and vocational training initiatives, including registered apprenticeships and credentialing programs. She’s working with community organizations, HBCUs, and the private sector to create pathways for Black men to thrive in high-demand fields, regardless of their educational background. This includes expanding programs that promote Black male teachers, who are underrepresented in the education system but play a crucial role in improving student outcomes for Black youth.

Harris is also committed to strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which Trump tried to dismantle, to recruit and retain Black male teachers in the education field. By investing in teacher training and retention programs, Harris hopes to not only increase diversity in education but also support Black men who want to make a difference in their communities.

3. Protecting Black Men’s Investments in Digital Assets

Recognizing that over 20% of Black Americans have invested in cryptocurrency, Harris is proposing a regulatory framework to safeguard digital asset investments. This move aims to protect Black men and others who are part of the growing cryptocurrency market, ensuring they are able to participate safely and securely in financial innovation.

4. National Health Equity Initiative for Black Men

Understanding that Black men face higher risks for conditions like diabetes, sickle cell disease, and prostate cancer, Harris’s agenda includes a comprehensive National Health Equity Initiative. The plan aims to cap insulin costs at $35 a month, limit out-of-pocket prescription costs, and expand access to preventative care, such as cancer screenings. Additionally, Harris is advocating for increased funding for the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities to improve health outcomes for Black men.

To further support Black families, Harris is addressing medical debt, which affects 1 in 4 Black households. She’s proposing measures to remove medical debt from credit reports, helping more Black men qualify for mortgages and other loans.

5. Legalizing Marijuana and Creating Equity in the Cannabis Industry

Harris is pushing to legalize marijuana nationwide, a move that would remove barriers for Black men who have been disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of cannabis. She’s committed to ensuring that as the legal cannabis industry grows, Black men have fair access to wealth-building opportunities within this market. This includes creating pathways for Black entrepreneurs to enter the cannabis industry, from cultivation to retail.

6. Engagement Events to Mobilize Black Men for the Upcoming Election

As part of the Harris-Walz campaign’s efforts to engage Black men, they are launching a series of “Black Men Huddle Up” events across key battleground states. These events, hosted at Black-owned sports bars and featuring NFL and NCAA watch parties, will provide spaces for Black men to discuss what’s at stake in the upcoming election. Additionally, the campaign is organizing Economic Freedom Talks led by prominent Black entrepreneurs to inspire and support small business owners in their communities.

A Stark Contrast with Trump’s Policies

The Harris campaign is not shying away from drawing a sharp contrast with Donald Trump’s track record on issues affecting Black men. Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, according to the Harris team, would roll back civil rights protections, reinstate controversial policing practices like stop-and-frisk, and cut funding for health and social programs vital to Black communities. In contrast, Harris’s plan focuses on empowering Black men to build wealth, access affordable healthcare, and secure their rights within the legal and economic systems.

Building an Opportunity Economy

Through this agenda, Vice President Harris seeks to create an “Opportunity Economy” where Black men have the resources and support needed to not only survive but thrive. This comprehensive plan addresses historic inequities and sets the stage for Black men to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.

Harris concluded, “Black men deserve a government that works for them, that listens to their dreams and provides the tools to make those dreams a reality. That’s the America I believe in, and that’s the America I’m fighting for.”

As the 2024 election draws closer, Harris and her team will be taking this message directly to Black men across the country. From economic empowerment to health equity, her Opportunity Agenda signals a commitment to uplifting Black men and addressing the unique challenges they face—laying the foundation for a future where everyone has the chance to get ahead.