When Black Men are Invisible: What Will the Harris/Walz Campaign Do to Address the American Black Man?
Black men are not victims; they are an integral thread in the social and political fabric that makes up the United States of America. Their contributions to American history, culture, and economics are quite undeniable. Not taking the black man seriously during this campaign season is a mistake. They are voters, leaders, and change-makers whose voices have to be heard. It will not only cost an important demographic but also weaken the possibility of real improvement if their concerns and aspirations are ignored. Candidates who do not engage black men in deeper dialogue risk losing the support of a community that will matter for the future of our democracy.
By Don Allen (Editorial Opinion) - Journal of A Black Teacher
In the landscape of American politics—where every vote counts and each demographic is meticulously analyzed—one group stays conspicuously absent from the conversation: Black men. It is not a matter of victimhood but one of visibility and respect. Black men in the United States are not asking for handouts or pity; they are demanding to be seen, heard, and valued—not just by the broader society but by those very leaders who claim to represent them.
The Harris/Walz campaign must answer this critical question, therefore: What are you going to do for the American Black man? Again, this is not a rhetorical question. Black men have been largely marginalized in this political landscape by none other than black female elites, who should otherwise be some of their greatest allies.
The narrative that has mostly defined Black men in America is one of failure and dysfunction. The mainstream media and political rhetoric most often lead the charge in portraying them either as criminals or victims, completely devoid of a sense of regard for their strength, resilience, and potential. This narrative is not only false but also harmful. Such helps to perpetuate a cycle of disregard and disinvestment, leaving Black men feeling abandoned by a system designed to protect and empower them.
Black women have been at the forefront of social justice movements, and their contributions cannot be overemphasized. They led, organized, and advocated for change in ways that made a whole difference to the Black community as a whole. On the other hand, such leadership has happened at a cost: Black men's voices are increasingly marginalized within these spaces. The fact of the matter is that most Black men in this country feel their struggles, hopes, and contributions are unseen, even within their own communities.
Such is the narrative the Harris/Walz campaign can shift. Platitudes or vague promises are not going to do this. Black men want to see a plan that addresses their unique challenges while uplifting their potential. That translates to an agenda focusing on unemployment, criminal justice reform, education, and economic empowerment, with a focus on what it all means specifically for Black men.
This means holding spaces where Black men can discuss their concerns and be involved in decision-making processes. It includes recognition that Black men are not monoliths: they are fathers, sons, entrepreneurs, scholars, and leaders in their own right. Thus, Black men ought to be recognized for such, not as a voting bloc but as people with varied needs and aspirations.
The uncomfortable truth that the Harris/Walz campaign must come to grips with is that Black male disenfranchisement is as much a product of systemic racism as it is of internal community dynamics. One thing that has sometimes come at the expense of Black men is the rise of Black female elites in political and social circles. This is not an argument to reduce the achievements of Black women but to acknowledge that progress will not be complete until the voices of all are lifted.
Black men are tired of being invisible, of being overlooked by those who act as though they truly have their best interests at heart. Now, the Harris/Walz campaign has another chance to get it right by making Black men a priority, not an afterthought. It's not just a political necessity; it is a moral imperative. Black men deserve leaders who fight for them, listen to them, and recognize their inherent worth.
Black men will be watching the upcoming election. They will tune in to hear a message that speaks to their experiences and their dreams. They are watching for a campaign that will do more than talk about their needs. The question is, will the Harris/Walz campaign step up? Will they view Black men as more than votes to be won, but integral parts that make America what it is today?
In fact, the answer to this question will not just influence the election result but will determine how far Black men will go in America. It's time for the Harris/Walz campaign to show that they see Black men, that they value them, and that they are committed to their concerns in a meaningful way. The ball is right on their side of the court.
By Don Allen (Editorial Opinion) - Journal of A Black Teacher
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| Invisible Man, 1952 - Photography Archive - The Gordon Parks Foundation |
The Harris/Walz campaign must answer this critical question, therefore: What are you going to do for the American Black man? Again, this is not a rhetorical question. Black men have been largely marginalized in this political landscape by none other than black female elites, who should otherwise be some of their greatest allies.
The narrative that has mostly defined Black men in America is one of failure and dysfunction. The mainstream media and political rhetoric most often lead the charge in portraying them either as criminals or victims, completely devoid of a sense of regard for their strength, resilience, and potential. This narrative is not only false but also harmful. Such helps to perpetuate a cycle of disregard and disinvestment, leaving Black men feeling abandoned by a system designed to protect and empower them.
Black women have been at the forefront of social justice movements, and their contributions cannot be overemphasized. They led, organized, and advocated for change in ways that made a whole difference to the Black community as a whole. On the other hand, such leadership has happened at a cost: Black men's voices are increasingly marginalized within these spaces. The fact of the matter is that most Black men in this country feel their struggles, hopes, and contributions are unseen, even within their own communities.
Such is the narrative the Harris/Walz campaign can shift. Platitudes or vague promises are not going to do this. Black men want to see a plan that addresses their unique challenges while uplifting their potential. That translates to an agenda focusing on unemployment, criminal justice reform, education, and economic empowerment, with a focus on what it all means specifically for Black men.
This means holding spaces where Black men can discuss their concerns and be involved in decision-making processes. It includes recognition that Black men are not monoliths: they are fathers, sons, entrepreneurs, scholars, and leaders in their own right. Thus, Black men ought to be recognized for such, not as a voting bloc but as people with varied needs and aspirations.
The uncomfortable truth that the Harris/Walz campaign must come to grips with is that Black male disenfranchisement is as much a product of systemic racism as it is of internal community dynamics. One thing that has sometimes come at the expense of Black men is the rise of Black female elites in political and social circles. This is not an argument to reduce the achievements of Black women but to acknowledge that progress will not be complete until the voices of all are lifted.
Black men are tired of being invisible, of being overlooked by those who act as though they truly have their best interests at heart. Now, the Harris/Walz campaign has another chance to get it right by making Black men a priority, not an afterthought. It's not just a political necessity; it is a moral imperative. Black men deserve leaders who fight for them, listen to them, and recognize their inherent worth.
Black men will be watching the upcoming election. They will tune in to hear a message that speaks to their experiences and their dreams. They are watching for a campaign that will do more than talk about their needs. The question is, will the Harris/Walz campaign step up? Will they view Black men as more than votes to be won, but integral parts that make America what it is today?
In fact, the answer to this question will not just influence the election result but will determine how far Black men will go in America. It's time for the Harris/Walz campaign to show that they see Black men, that they value them, and that they are committed to their concerns in a meaningful way. The ball is right on their side of the court.
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