Black men want their top issues ‘centered’ in 2024 presidential race

October 24th, 2024

Michael Brent IV, Khalil Jackson, Larry Lowe and Michael Murphy stand in front of a bookcase. — From left to right: Michael Brent IV, a senior and political science major at Clark Atlanta University, Khalil Jackson, a senior and political science major at Clark Atlanta University, Larry Lowe, the third vice chair for the DeKalb County Democratic Committee, and Michael Murphy, the second vice chair for the Georgia Black Republican Council, were panelist for “Closer Look’s” themed show housing Black male voters. (LaShawn Hudson/WABE)

In the final days of their presidential campaigns, both Democrats and Republicans have put a heavy focus on Black male voters.

The Pew Research Center reports that 47% of Black men are eligible to vote in the 2024 election. Since 1994, Black men have voted at least 80% in favor of the Democratic presidential candidate. But a new NAACP poll finds support among Black men for this year’s Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, has dropped to 63%. Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is polling at 13% among Black men. Support for Trump rises to 26% if you only count Black male voters under the age of 50.

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” show host Rose Scott talks with a diverse panel of Black men about what issues are important to them this election season.

First, Michael Murphy, the second vice chair for the Georgia Black Republican Council, and Larry Lowe, the third vice chair for the DeKalb County Democratic Committee talked about their reasoning for supporting their specific candidate and shared how they would personally support Harris or Trump if either candidate wins the 2024 presidential race. They also shared their perspectives on policing, reproductive rights, and supporting business owners.

First-time voters Khalil Jackson and Michael Brent IV are both seniors at Clark Atlanta University and political science majors. They talked about the importance of centering issues that are relevant to Black men this election cycle, such as economic development in rural areas, jobs, civil rights, the economy and student loans. The students also discussed how issues that impact Black women, such as reproductive rights, impact Black men.

Lastly, Percy Brown, who serves on the board of directors for the Human Rights Campaign, shared the view with other panelists that Black men are not a monolithic group. He talked about the intersectionality of being a Black gay man and stressed the importance of voting in support of mutual issues of concern and/or policies that support the LGBTQ+ community.