Black Men Discuss Economic Opportunity, Reproductive Rights At BET's 'Black Men's Summit'

Black men have become a key demographic in the 2024 election, with both parties increasingly focused on addressing the challenges faced by Black men and winning their votes.

Black men have shown strong support for the Democratic Party in the past, but recent elections have revealed a growing interest among Black men in the Republican Party. With this shift, both parties are tailoring their messaging to appeal to the needs and aspirations of Black men.

Now that politicians are recognizing the power of the Black man's vote, especially in swing states where margins are tight, it's important to make sure our community is informed.

Last night, BET hosted its Black Men's Summit, inviting civil rights leaders, celebrities and activists to discuss crucial topics affecting Black men.

Hosted by D.L. Hughley, the summit discussed issues like the economy, community safety and reproductive rights. The panelists included Michael Ealy, Jermaine Dupri, Atty. Ben Crump, Vic Mensa, Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Justin J. Pearson and more.

Hughley opened by emphasizing how this election may be the “most consequential” for Black men, given the policies around Black economic prosperity, criminal justice reform, and reproductive rights.

A major theme of the summit—and a key issue for many Black men—is economic opportunity, with participants discussing the disparities Black men face in the job market. Ryan Wilson, CEO of The Gathering Spot, discussed the need for equitable support for Black-owned businesses. "The fact that there is a plan on the table is something that we should be excited about," Wilson said, referring to Harris' proposal to provide 1 million fully forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs and others who have historically faced barriers to starting or growing businesses.

Civil rights attorney Crump spoke on Vice President Kamala Harris’ track record as a prosecutor and its impact on Black men. He noted her initiatives aimed at offering alternatives to incarceration, like her “Back on Track” program, which provides young offenders with educational opportunities instead of prison time.

One piece of misinformation that circulated about Vice President Harris was that she locked up thousands of Black men on marijuana charges. After doing our research, we found that it isn't true.

Gun violence emerged as a critical issue, with activist Greg Jackson sharing a moving account of his own experience as a survivor of gun violence. Jackson emphasized that underrepresented communities bear the brunt of ineffective policies, urging Black men to consider the impact of candidates' policies on gun control and policing.

The summit also discussed reproductive rights, an issue often framed as a women’s issue but with significant implications for Black men. Many attendees, including Mensa, stressed the importance of bodily autonomy and the intersection of race and gender in reproductive health. “As Black men, our primary responsibility in this humanity is to protect Black women,” Mensa remarked, highlighting the need for solidarity in addressing reproductive rights. “Protecting Black women begins and ends with listening to them about what makes them feel safe, and they overwhelmingly support the right to choose what happens with their bodies,” Mensa added.

BET’s Black Men’s Summit was a much-needed platform for real discourse with Black men about the issues most important to them this election season.

Check out the full summit.