The presidential election is less than a month away and there’s been a lot of chatter in the media in the last couple of weeks, suggesting that Black men are hesitant to support Kamala Harris in the Vice President’s run for the presidency. It’s an idea that feels disconnected from the reality many of us live, especially when you consider the longstanding relationship that Black men have with Black women in leadership.
George Floyd’s haunting final cry for his mother, despite her having passed away years before, reveals the profound connection many Black men share with the women who raised them. In my own life, it’s my father I turn to when the world feels uncertain—his wisdom and strength have been a source of steady support. Yet, my mother’s role is equally essential. She provides something different: a level of warmth, empathy, and understanding that only a mother can offer. Her presence brings comfort in the most overwhelming of times, and together, both of their influences have molded me into the person I am today.
In the Black community, many mothers take on both roles—mother and father. Whether by circumstance or necessity, these women raise their children with resilience and love, filling every gap with their unwavering dedication. It’s no surprise that Black men have such a deep respect and connection to their mothers, who have often had to shoulder an extraordinary amount of responsibility.
As a Morehouse College graduate, I’ve seen this play out on an institutional level. Our sister school, Spelman College, has produced generations of Black women leaders—none more famous than Stacey Abrams, whose work in Georgia reshaped the political landscape of not only Georgia, but the entire country. But she’s only one of thousands of Spelman women making an impact in every corner of society.
Black men are deeply aware of the dangers a second Trump presidency would pose—not only to our own communities but to the country at large. We’ve seen firsthand the damage done by his administration, from economic setbacks to the erosion of voting rights. We also know that these policies don’t just harm Black and brown communities—they hurt poor and working-class white Americans too, many of whom are being manipulated by divisive rhetoric.
Again, the idea that Black men wouldn’t support Kamala Harris ignores a long history of Black men supporting Black women in leadership. In fact, one of the largest and most influential social movements of our time, Black Lives Matter, was started by three Black women: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. Black men have had no problem standing alongside these women, as the movement has grown into a global force for justice. This collaboration alone demonstrates that we not only recognize Black women’s leadership but actively support and trust it.
Additionally, journalist Roland Martin has been an outspoken supporter of Kamala Harris. Throughout her campaign and vice presidency, Martin has used his platform to advocate for Harris, consistently highlighting her qualifications and ability to lead. As a prominent figure in Black media, his vocal support demonstrates that many Black men are not only ready but eager to support Kamala Harris as she potentially ascends to the highest office.
The stakes are incredibly high in this election, and we are prepared to step up to the plate just as we have in the past. Kamala Harris has the support of Black men, not in spite of who she is, but because of who she is—and we are ready to pull every arrow from the quiver to ensure she is elected.
