Harris stood up for workers like me on the picket line. Trump has advocated the execution of innocent black men. I’m standing with Harris.

When William Lucy and Martin Luther King Jr. led 1000’s of Black Memphis sanitation workers on strike in 1968, Lucy’s powerful statement defined the movement: “I am a MAN.” The movement demanded respect, higher pay, safer working conditions, and the same opportunities for a greater life as white men.

The same fight continues today. I’m a father of 4 beautiful children, a former airport worker, a union member, and a disabled veteran (Army National Guard and Air Force). My journey has not been easy. In the past I used to be homeless and unemployed. I do know the pain of not having the ability to support yourself and your loved ones. No matter your background, where you’re employed or where you reside, Black men have the same priorities. We want well-paid jobs that allow us to support our families, enjoy free time, and be respected in the workplace and community. It’s that straightforward.

That’s why on this election I’m voting for leadership that can champion the issues facing working Black men like me and the opportunities we’d like to construct our strength to fight for the future we would like to create. It’s not about leaflets, it’s about opportunities. That’s why I’m a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris.

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For me and other black men who’re members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), we’ve checked out the facts and the alternative is evident. We all support Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and other pro-union candidates. We’re knocking on doors, calling, and having real conversations with voters about why working people – and particularly black men – should stand with Vice President Harris.

Vice President Harris Economics of opportunity the political agenda is strictly what working families need. This includes increasing the availability of reasonably priced housing, protecting workers’ rights, reducing the cost of on a regular basis items, improving our care system and protecting our surroundings. All these activities are vital to me. But then she went a step further. She delivered on what many Black men have been demanding: a plan for us in the Opportunity Economy that specifically addresses our issues and the fight against inequality. Her plans to equip more Black men with the tools to realize financial freedom, access more educational opportunities and address health disparities are game-changing.

There are many things I like about Vice President Harris’ plan. This just isn’t the weak “concept plan” that former President Trump talked about, nevertheless it is something real and doable. It’s clear that he respects and understands working people. Moreover, it has already laid the groundwork and began working to deliver on guarantees resembling improving access to well-paid jobs.

If unsure, I encourage you to read the facts and achievements of these candidates.

Actually, here’s one for you.

Only one candidate stood with working people on the picket line after they went on strike. That’s Vice President Harris when she was a senator in 2019. I understand how vital it’s to have that sort of support on the picket line. When I used to be a member of the UAW working at the Jeep plant and my union went on strike, President Biden supported us and we won. Vice President Harris supports workers like me. She met with workers from various industries, from Starbucks to nursing homes, and for a day played the role of care workers and security officers. She fought for pay equity, raising the federal minimum wage, and protecting workers’ rights to arrange. Creating more good union jobs and increasing access to good jobs is a serious part of her economic plan.

Then there’s former President Trump — the man who took out a full-page ad in newspapers calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty for The Central Park Fivecurrently the Exonerated Five. From gold sneakers to “rappers” at the RNC, Trump mocks working people, especially black men. He talked about firing striking workers who demanded extra time pay. He gave out massive handouts to corporations, millionaires and billionaires, but raised taxes on the rest of us. And if that wasn’t bad enough, 2.7 million people lost their jobs during his presidency. The unemployment rate rose to six.4%, ending his term with the worst employment record since the Great Depression.

If re-elected, he’ll make matters worse by implementing Project 2025, a far-right political plan to dismantle the U.S. government, reverse human and civil rights, and destroy democracy. These policies would double the evil of systemic racism; mainly aimed toward black men. This plan includes proposals to strip workers of union rights, fair wages and extra time pay, end DEI initiatives, and weaponize the Department of Justice.

For Black men, Vice President Harris offers opportunities and paths to a greater future. Trump offers Project 2025 that can set Black men back lots of of years.

It’s your alternative. Be smart.

I support Vice President Harris, but I won’t simply vote for her. I’m casting my vote for myself and a greater future for all Black men, my family and all working people.

We demand that political leaders get our votes and keep their guarantees. We don’t need or desire a messiah or handouts; we would like accountability and good leadership that really cares about, respects and works for people. Based on the facts and track record, I’m confident that Vice President Harris will do exactly that.