The plan proposes $20,000 forgivable loans to help Black entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced a comprehensive plan Monday aimed at addressing economic and social challenges facing Black men in America. The initiative, dubbed the “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” outlines a series of proposals designed to boost entrepreneurship, expand access to education and job training, and tackle health disparities.

Central to the plan is a commitment to provide 1 million forgivable loans of up to $20,000 each to Black entrepreneurs and others who have faced historical barriers to starting or growing businesses. The initiative aims to partner with mission-driven lenders and community-focused banks to distribute these funds.

“For too long, Black men have felt their voices go unheard in our political process,” Harris said in a statement. “This agenda is about unleashing the untapped ambition and leadership within the Black male community.”

The vice president’s plan also includes:

• Expanding pathways to good-paying jobs in high-demand industries, with a focus on those not requiring a college degree
• Creating a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and digital assets to protect Black investors
• Launching a National Health Equity Initiative addressing conditions that disproportionately affect Black men, such as sickle cell disease and prostate cancer
• Legalizing recreational marijuana nationwide and creating opportunities for Black Americans in the emerging cannabis industry

Critics argue the plan’s scope may face challenges in Congress, while supporters praise its comprehensive approach to longstanding issues.

The announcement follows Harris’s nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour, during which she engaged with Black entrepreneurs about obstacles they face in accessing capital and growing their businesses.

Harris contrasted her agenda with former President Donald Trump’s record, citing job losses and business closures among Black Americans during his administration. The vice president’s campaign emphasized that a potential second Trump term could reverse recent economic gains for Black families.

As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s plan represents a significant outreach to Black male voters, a demographic that has shown varying levels of support for Democrats in recent elections.

Political analysts note that the success of such initiatives could play a crucial role in key battleground states where Black voter turnout may decide tight races.

-Eddy “Precise” Lamarre