As Election Day approaches, presidential candidates are making their final pitches to secure votes. Black men have emerged as a crucial demographic in recent weeks.

A New York Times/Siena poll indicates that 78% plan to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, while 15% support former President Donald Trump.

What You Need To Know

  • Black men are a significant focus for presidential candidates

  • 78% plan to vote for Harris, 15% for Trump, according to a New York Times/Siena poll

  • Barbershops serve as platforms for political discussion, especially for Black men
  • Perspectives range from supporting Harris' agenda to backing Trump's policies 

Barbershops have long been community hubs for Black men, offering spaces for discussion, news-sharing and fostering a sense of belonging. Jon Wafer, owner of Tru Images Barbershop, describes it as a sanctuary where people can talk about various topics openly.

“Sanctuary for the community. Men and women to come and talk about a variety of different topics,” Wafer said.

Today, the conversation centers around politics. Wafer supports Harris this election cycle, believing she can run the country better for the majority of people.

“I think that she can run the country better than he can for the majority of the people. So that’s why I’m leaning toward her,” he explained.

Harris has announced her opportunity agenda for Black men, which includes plans to provide loans to Black entrepreneurs and legalize marijuana nationally. Wafer said he appreciates these initiatives.

“I think giving loans, giving opportunities, giving programs to help foster and nurture and grow, that is awesome," he said.

However, not everyone shares Wafer’s views. Markus Allman feels that some policies pander to the Black vote and plans to cast his ballot for Trump.

“That’s another, you know, pander to, like, the Black vote and whatnot. And I feel like that’s just that’s a slap in the face for, you know, Black men,” Allman stated.

Allman cites concerns about the current administration’s handling of the economy and believes Trump’s policies are better suited for the country’s future.

“America is in, somewhat, a bit of trouble right now. Within this, the economy, it hasn’t been the best economy,” he noted.

He highlighted Trump’s plans to extend tax cuts and boost domestic energy production as key reasons for his support.

“No tax on tips. No tax on overtime. Securing the border. Not funding critical race theory and gender ideology,” Allman elaborated.

Despite differing opinions, Wafer emphasizes the importance of voting, regardless of candidate preference.

“It’s not so much who you vote for, per se, [as] that you do vote and exercise your right, that many people have fought and died for you to do that. So, we stress that a lot,” he urged.