Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign recently hosted a series of events aimed at engaging Black men in Wisconsin. These events were part of an effort to increase voter turnout and maintain support from this important group.
On Friday, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes led a rally at a large Black church in Milwaukee. Following this, the campaign organized a community canvass, offered free haircuts at barbershops, and hosted a happy hour for young professionals. The weekend ended with a gospel brunch on Sunday.
These events show that Democrats are focusing more on Black men, trying to counter former President Donald Trump’s appeal to them through his tough-guy image and social conservatism. They’re also working to make sure frustrations caused by inflation and President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings don’t lead to low voter turnout.
This focus isn’t limited to Wisconsin. In Michigan, another important state in the 2024 election, Harris’ campaign has held more than 15 events, including visits to barbershops and brunches in cities like Detroit and Flint. In Georgia, where Trump won 11% of the Black vote in 2020, the campaign has hosted 10 events at Black barbershops. They’ve also held events in Virginia and Pennsylvania, including a debate watch event at a barbershop with local leaders.
Since Vice President Harris launched her campaign, we’ve been working hard to earn every vote, including from Black men, who will play a key role in this election, said Trey Baker, a senior adviser for the campaign.
The Democratic Party has long relied on Black voters, particularly Black men, but many in this group feel their concerns haven’t been addressed. While Republicans have tried to attract these voters, Trump’s frequent use of negative stereotypes about Black people has often undermined those efforts.
Despite this, Harris enjoys strong support among Black men, though the race remains very close in key states. Baker, who led similar efforts during Biden’s 2020 campaign, is working to ensure that Black men feel connected to Harris’ campaign.
We won’t take the Black community for granted or insult them like Trump and the Republicans do, Baker added.