Conversations on the Corner with Black Men – Part 2

By Jeffery Kazembe Batts
A sampling of thoughts from twenty-five Black men regarding the upcoming national election and the American presidency in general reveal complex and varied opinions. A wide range of men, including bus and truck drivers, educators, blue-collar workers, clothing designers, drug dealers, lawyers, maintenance workers, CUNY students, churchgoers, veteran voters who have retired, and a first-time 18-year-old voter, all share their perspectives.

Most of those questioned are from the Bed-Stuy area, near the intersection of Fulton St. and Marcus Garvey Blvd, but also including four from Uptown (Harlem and the Bronx), two each from Washington DC area, and Atlanta. They were asked the following same seven questions:
Who do you support in the upcoming national election? Why do you support that candidate? How does whoever is president affect you? What issue is most important to you? Where do you get your information? Do you plan to vote? Who is your favorite president of all time?
The following is an unedited overview of their responses.

Who do you support in the upcoming national election?
Vice President Kamala Harris had the largest percentage with nine, almost twice the number for former president Trump who had five. Voting for neither candidate was only slightly less than for Kamala at seven! One respondent said, “any independent candidate.”

Why do you support your candidate?
Those who support Ms. Harris include clothing entrepreneur Jeff and Fulton St. mainstay Lionel who just don’t like Trump. Retired federal worker Keith said, “nobody with good sense that I know would vote for Trump.” Community leader Darryl said, “I’m afraid of what Trump would continue to do to the Supreme Court.” Relaxing in his parked vehicle in front of a Dominican restaurant Mr. Jones added, “Trump gave cops a free pass to kill – who you think they gonna kill, so I got to go with Kamala.” Dressed in all black with a Yankee hat on, Karoom said, “Kamala will make things better” and hip-hop promoter Mabusha agreed answering, “we need Kamala dealing and not Trump.” Mike G stated, “I think Kamala will give a women’s perspective that the country needs.” Similarly, spiritually focused Elohim commented, “she would be the first Black female president and can make a difference and chances for Black people will be slim to none if Trump wins.”

Supporters of Mr. Trump include blue collar worker Kervin who believes he will handle the economy and jobs better. Aspiring actor Ron also believes that “Trump is stronger on the economy and does not like Kamala’s advocating price controls.” Also dressed in all-black but with a Raiders hat while relaxing on Fulton St. Johnathan adds, “Trump is more honest and opinionated, and Harris isn’t doing enough interviews.”

A few blocks away sitting on his brownstone steps, long-time Bethany Baptist Church member George also believes that “Trump is an effective businessman and that things were better under him.” George also stated, “Democrats don’t keep their promises to Black people.” “Trump freed drug dealers and rappers, he is not articulate but has good policies.” Raon, a much younger Bethany church member shared, “I was gonna vote for Biden but not for Kamala” and “Trump brings more to the table and will do what he says.”

Many expressed that they are not voting for Kamala or Donald. Stock trader Amir offered “I don’t feel a connection.” Truck driver Bryan was adamant, “politics is full of shit, they lie and do what they want.” Basketball coach Shadagga commented, “Both represent the same in different ways and are not in Black people’s interest.” Bethany Baptist church maintenance worker Emmanuel offered “neither is focused on reparations and I don’t agree with their priorities.”

Similarly bus driver Feerce also contributed by saying, “they make promises and don’t follow thru on them.” CUNY student Alain replied to the question, “neither are making a substantial deposit on issues that affect average Americans.” Fulton St. Caribbean food businessman Chad “I don’t do elections, and it is not for us.” Freedom fighter Oronde proclaimed “any independent candidate, maybe Cornel West, but not any Democrat or Republican.

How does whoever is president affect you?
“The president affects the financial markets,” said Amir. Mr. Jones said, “if you work then the amount of taxes.” Bryan stated, “Harris would not be respected and lead to more wars and Trump would promote more racism, but America would be safer.” Mabusha reasoned that “one is more extreme than the other.” Emmauel replied, “the laws and policies they push will affect everyday life in the neighborhood.” Kervin added, “the president can affect the amount of union jobs.” Alain expressed his concern that “judicial policies matter and Trump packed the Supreme Court.” Lionel commented, “it affects us cause Trump would do nonsense.”

Johnathan and Karoom said that the president’s decisions will affect everybody. George said, “none do anything for the Black community, so it does not matter.” Raon mentioned Project 2025 is bad but “it is not legal so I’m not worried.” Oronde said, “it does not matter and will just force me to work harder for Black people.” Jeff answered, “Prez does not affect that much and it is more about local officials.” Similarly, Ron expressed, “local politics is more important, and the president is the face and CEO of the country.” Feerce claimed, “everything is preordained, and it does not matter who is president.”

What issue is the most important to you?
Both “reparations” and “economics / economy” were the most frequently listed “one-word answer to the question. “Immigration / migrants” and “crime” were next in frequency. Housing, Project 2025, the Supreme Court, poverty, war on children and education were also topics that were listed.

Where do you get your information?
Survey participants get their info from a wide variety of sources including in descending order of frequency mentioned: on-line, social media, CNN, Fox news, TV, alternative news channels, Twitter or X, Instagram, newspapers, NY Times, Al Jazeera, Washington Post, Jacobins magazine, people.

Do you plan to vote?
Interestingly the answer to this question was almost exactly even, with 13 respondents saying “yes” and 12 respondents saying “no.”

Who is your favorite president of all time?
In response eight people said “none.” Eight others said “Obama.” Franklin Delanor Roosevelt had two mentions. Jimmy Carter, Lyndon Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon & Theodore Roosevelt each had one mention as the favorite. One respondent insisted that John Hancock was the first Black president!

The above is the results of a random survey of what some Black men are thinking in their own words. This survey was conducted before the 9/10/24 presidential debate.
Leading up to the November 5th election you are urged to engage Black men, and of course also Black women, about the importance of Black people building power in this climate of overt white supremacy.
IG: @kazbatts