Black men in Atlanta speak freely ahead of election as nominees try to win over key demographic

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – With just weeks left until the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are vying for the votes of a key demographic, Black men.

“It’s a gamut of issues that both probably make some good points about, both probably don’t make some good points about,” said Jay White, a volunteer with The Black Man Lab.

The Black Man Lab and New Georgia Project collaborated to host a meeting in southwest Atlanta catered specifically to Black men. It is one of the many stops in the Black Man Lab Tour.

“Black men, we have something to say,” said White. “Typically, we’re talked about, we’re talked on behalf of, but we’re not talked to.”

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It was an opportunity for many to voice their concerns, telling us what they would like to see from their president.

“I would like to see more engagement within our community and really tackle the issues that we talk about,” said White.

Harris and Trump are both making stops in metro Atlanta this week, showing how important Georgia is for the election.

Harris rallied in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Monday, outlining her “Opportunity Agenda” aimed particularly at Black men.

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“There is an attempt to suggest to a lot of folks that their vote won’t matter,” she said in an interview with Roland Martin.

Trump also held a rally on the other side of Pennsylvania.

“I love Black men,” said Trump.

Trump also highlighted undocumented immigrants.

“When millions of people pour into our country, they have a devastating effect on Black families and Hispanic families, more than any others,” said Trump.

As election day gets closer, both candidates will continue to try to garner key voting blocs.

Black men at the event in Atlanta say they ultimately want their voices to be heard this election.

“To have the same opportunity as the white man, to be able to speak freedom, not to be tormented,” said attendee Wilton Hines.

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