NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Black men from across the city gathered Oct. 24 to show their support of Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for President of the United States. As of late, there have been some reports indicating a dip in support from this key demographic of votes, but the Brothas for Kamala group is presenting a much different story.
In a final push before Election Day, Nov. 5, the group held three rallies to intensify voter turnout for Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz for president and vice president, respectively. Hosted at the Soul Restaurant chains located in Nashville, Antioch, and Murfreesboro, the group has set an ambitious goal for the country to turn out 100 million votes in hopes of sending Harris to the White House as president.
“We wanted to address the issue about whether Black men are supporting Kamala Harris – and we are,” said Attorney Michael Grant, event organizer and long-time activist in the Nashville-area community. “Some people don’t seem to understand the danger we are putting ourselves in if Trump gets four more years.”
As a legal professional, Grant also expressed concern around the actions of the Supreme Court, which held that the president is entitled to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for certain official acts within the president’s “conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority,” a presumption of immunity from criminal prosecution for all other official acts, and no criminal immunity for unofficial acts.
“It sets a dangerous precedent,” Grant said of the decision. “It means any official acts under the guise of ‘Presidential duties’ are acceptable. The problem with a broad blanket approach like that is he could misuse the Justice department to go after his enemies. The bottom line is he has proven that he doesn’t respect the Constitution and he wants to be a dictator. If Americans love America as much as they say they do, then they’ll vote for Kamala Harris.”
John Smith, owner of Soul Restaurants, said it was important to host the rally to encourage people to get out and vote.
“I thought about each candidate and I have a son and a daughter,” Smith said. “I asked myself do I want my son to be like Donald Trump? No. But I wouldn’t mind my daughter following in the footsteps of Kamala Harris, who is classy and accomplished.”
Although several Black men attended the rally, women were also there to show support. Brenda Ross of Nashville said she was proud “to see Black men involved in the political process.”
“I’m hoping people reach out and bring someone with them to the polls. It is important for us to vote, and as African American men, we want to see them go to the polls and encourage 10 others to go with them,” Ross said, adding several organizations are available to help provide transportation to those who need it. “Don’t let that [transportation] be a reason why you stay at home.”
She also said the education conversation around voting needs to be emphasized.
“We not only need to get people to the polls, but we need to educate them on how to vote and what happens when you get there,” she said.
