Former President Barack Obama has been actively campaigning for Kamala Harris. His endorsement of Harris, especially among Black men, has raised questions about why he is advocating for her and what impact this may have on Nov. 5. From slavery to Jim Crow laws to mass incarceration, Black men have been disproportionately affected by policies that have hindered their ability to fully participate in society. This context is important to understand in why Obama, a symbol of hope and progress for many Black Americans, is using his platform to encourage Black men to vote for Harris.
Vice President Kamala Harris is the focal point in an urge to move the needle for Black progress in the 2024 election. As a former prosecutor and Attorney General of California, Harris has a complex record on criminal justice decision making that has garnered both praise and criticism. Some view her as a trailblazer while others see her as a symbol of a broken system that has perpetuated harm. Obama’s support of Harris may be seen as a signal that he believes she can help address the issues facing Black Americans.
In a recent podcast episode of “The Young Man and The Three,” Obama postulates that while progress is slow, small strides should not be negated; he implores Black males to consider what has been accomplished that has never been done before. Progress as in a decrease in the number of people who went to federal prisons under his leadership and a lower crime rate. While criminal bias was not eradicated, rationalized Obama on the podcast, incremental change still helped create a shift.
Pressing issues in our nation, health care, ethical policing, and earning a decent minimum wage, are all factors that culminate into a much larger picture of prosperity, and these are the issues are on the ballot.
Influential celebrities and thought leaders have helped shape the conversation around why Black men should support Harris and have mobilized communities to vote in the upcoming election. Focusing on battleground states, Obama is working on Harris’ behalf to earn the support of Black and Latino males.
By highlighting Harris’ accomplishments and qualifications and challenging the perceptions of those who doubt the potential for transformative change, Obama uses the logic that change is slow and steady, but baby steps are still effective.
Obama may be able to inspire Black men to see themselves in her and to believe that their voices matter in shaping the future of the country. This could have a ripple effect on other marginalized communities, leading to a more inclusive and representative government.
Looking ahead, the impact of Obama’s endorsement of Harris on Black men’s voting behavior remains to be seen. It will be important to continue to engage with these communities, listen to their concerns, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all, even after the election.
Obama’s support of Harris is just one piece of the puzzle, and it will take a collective effort to ensure that Black men’s voices are heard, and their needs are addressed in the political arena.