The Democratic Party has long relied on African American voters to win elections, with Black women standing as some of their most loyal supporters. However, there is an increasingly noticeable gap in support from Black men, particularly toward Kamala Harris. The phrase disparity plagued and not voting for Kamala perfectly encapsulates why many Black men are drifting away from the Democratic Party. And it has nothing to do with not wanting a woman president. These men, who live in cycles of economic and social inequality, feel increasingly disconnected from the promises of the political system. If the Democratic Party continues to fail at delivering tangible, life-changing solutions, they risk losing this crucial demographic.

But it’s crucial to remember that Black men are not a monolith. Many are not disparity plagued. Many have already voted for Kamala Harris. However, there is a stubborn and growing segment of Black men who feel left behind. These disparity-plagued men are increasingly disconnecting from the Democratic Party, which could spell trouble in upcoming elections.

Economic Disparities: Broken Promises, Harsh Realities

The number one reason some Black men are not supporting Kamala Harris is the Democratic Party’s failure to deliver on economic change. The party often talks about closing the racial wealth gap, but many Black men see little improvement. Disparity plagued Black men experience high barriers to accessing capital. Even when they do get loans, predatory lending practices make it harder to succeed. High interest rates, shorter terms, and large upfront money requirements only deepen economic inequality.

This problem affects their ability to build generational wealth.  Mix in some elements of educational disparities and the situation appears even worse. Black men have lower rates of high school and college completion compared to their white counterparts. In 2019, only 28% of Black men aged 25-29 had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Lower education rates lead to higher unemployment and lower earnings. This combination of economic and educational disparities create frustration. Black men live the systemic inequalities that the Democratic Party promises to fix yet change remains out of reach.

 Criminal Justice: Still Over-policed, Still Over-punished

Black men are still disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. They are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and incarcerated compared to white men. While the Democratic Party promises reforms, many Black men see little improvement. They still feel targeted, over-policed, and more harshly punished. Police officers are protected by still protected by qualified immunity, and every time an officer is set free at killing an unarmed black man the distrust intensifies.

This ongoing reality causes many Black men to distrust the political system altogether. They see no real difference between promises from politicians and the results. This mistrust leads to disengagement, and as a result, they are less likely to vote.

 Mired in Ignorance: A Broken Educational System

Another factor contributing to the lack of support for Kamala Harris is education. Many Black men are victims of a failing educational system. A primary reason black men drop out is harsher penalties for relatively minor infractions at schools.  Some schools make black boys feel unwelcome and barely tolerated. This leads to poor outcomes.  Poor educational outcomes lead to a lack of understanding about politics and its importance. Some Black men simply don’t fully grasp the connection between politics and their everyday struggles.  A common refrain from the disparity plagued black man is, “I don’t mess with politics.”

Councilman Thomas

But as New Orleans councilman Oliver Thomas says, “Politics is gonna mess with you!” Many young Black men don’t realize how much politics impacts their daily lives. Without quality education, understanding politics becomes more challenging. This disconnect pushes them away from voting and political engagement.

 Misinformation and Social Media: A Dangerous Combination

Misinformation, particularly on social media, plays a significant role in why some Black men are not supporting Kamala Harris. Many younger, disparity-plagued men use social media as their main source of information. Algorithms feed them the same type of content, reinforcing anti-political sentiments. The constant barrage of misinformation keeps them stuck in a loop of distrust.

In the past, political campaigns could reach these men through churches or community centers. A well-placed flyer could motivate them to vote. However, social media and AI algorithms have disrupted traditional outreach efforts. Today, the Democratic Party’s old school response is being outpaced by the flood of misinformation young Black men are consuming.

 Health, Housing, and Political Representation: Systemic Disparities Persist

Black men face systemic disparities in health, housing, and political representation. They have lower life expectancies and higher rates of chronic illnesses than white men. COVID-19 exposed these health gaps, widening the disparity. In housing, Black men experience discrimination, leading to limited access to quality housing. They often live in neighborhoods with fewer resources and less opportunity.

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Black men are also underrepresented in political offices and decision-making roles. Without proper representation, their voices are often unheard, and policies that impact their lives go unaddressed. This lack of representation reinforces the belief that politics doesn’t work for them, making them even less likely to vote.

The Democratic Party’s Slow Response: Impending Doom

The Democratic Party has been slow to address the issues disparity-plagued Black men face. This slow response, combined with the constant spread of misinformation, has created a perfect storm. These men are disengaged, disillusioned, and fed up with promises that don’t deliver results.

Without real change, the party risks losing the support of this key demographic. Black men see the gap between the promises made and the actions taken. While Kamala Harris may appeal to other voters, many disparity-plagued Black men see no reason to support her. They feel abandoned by a party that claims to stand for them but hasn’t delivered meaningful solutions.

The Way Forward

If Democrats want to win back the support of disparity-plagued Black men, they need to act now. They must deliver on their promises of economic reform, criminal justice reform, education, health, and housing. Without tangible results, these men will continue to feel ignored and abandoned.

The future of the Democratic Party may very well depend on how they address these disparities. Kamala Harris, as the face of the Democratic ticket, cannot afford to ignore this segment of voters. These disparity-plagued men are watching, and the party cannot afford to lose them.

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