Black Dads and Economic Empowerment: A Pathway to Thriving, Not Just Surviving

By Kenneth Braswell
Fathers Incorporated, CEO

Vice President Harris Releases Opportunity Agenda for Black Men: A Step Toward Economic Empowerment, but What About Black Fathers?

As Black men across the nation look toward the future, economic empowerment has become a central theme in discussions about thriving in a rapidly changing society. The Harris-Walz Opportunity Agenda for Black Men, recently introduced by Vice President Kamala Harris, outlines a series of initiatives designed to help Black men achieve financial freedom, reduce costs, and protect their rights. While this agenda is a step in the right direction, it is important to consider the broader needs of Black fathers, as articulated by Fathers Incorporated. The economic aspects of this agenda are crucial, but they must also be integrated with resources that address the family and community needs of Black fathers.

Fathers Incorporated has long championed initiatives that holistically address the needs of Black fathers, moving beyond just economic solutions to focus on mental health, family structure, and education. These elements are essential to ensuring that Black men are not just getting by but are thriving. While the Opportunity Agenda focuses on economic freedom, providing loans for Black entrepreneurs and supporting Black men in the workforce, it is also critical that fathers are supported in their role as family leaders and community advocates.

One of the key points in the Opportunity Agenda is the provision of 1 million forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs, allowing them to start small businesses and build wealth in underserved communities. This is undoubtedly a significant step in helping Black men and their families gain economic stability. However, economic stability alone will not address the barriers that Black fathers face, especially when it comes to family dynamics and parental responsibilities. Fathers Incorporated has consistently advocated for resources that address these deeper challenges—mental health services, access to legal support for parental rights, and programs that empower fathers to be present and engaged in their children’s lives. Without these resources, economic success may not translate into family success, which is why we need a more integrated approach that supports fathers on multiple fronts.

Education, training, and mentorship are also highlighted in the Opportunity Agenda, with a focus on getting Black men into high-demand jobs and leadership positions. Harris’ proposal to invest in Black male teachers is particularly noteworthy, as research shows that Black students benefit significantly from having Black male role models in the classroom. Fathers Incorporated fully supports this initiative, as it aligns with our efforts to uplift fathers as role models not only for their children but for their communities. However, beyond creating job opportunities, we must also ensure that Black fathers are supported in their role as parents. Programs like the Gentle Warriors Academy, which provides parenting resources, mentorship, and leadership training, are essential to equipping Black men with the tools they need to be successful both at work and at home.

A standout element of Harris’ agenda is the National Health Equity Initiative, which focuses on addressing the health challenges that disproportionately impact Black men, such as diabetes, prostate cancer, and mental health. Fathers Incorporated has long been a vocal advocate for addressing these critical health disparities, especially in the context of fatherhood. When Black fathers are healthy, both physically and mentally, they can better engage in their children’s lives and make a positive impact on their communities. We applaud the Vice President for making this a priority, but it’s important to remember that health initiatives must be culturally responsive and tailored to the specific challenges faced by Black fathers. Mental health, in particular, is often stigmatized in the Black community, and Fathers Incorporated has worked tirelessly to break down those barriers, offering resources that encourage Black fathers to seek help when needed.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Opportunity Agenda is its focus on legalizing recreational marijuana and creating opportunities for Black men to succeed in this new industry. Black men have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of marijuana, and this initiative could provide economic opportunities for those who have been historically marginalized. While this is an exciting development, it’s crucial that Black fathers are supported in navigating this new industry and that policies are put in place to ensure that Black men are not only participants but leaders in shaping its future.

However, while the Opportunity Agenda is designed to empower Black men economically, we must also take a closer look at the broader narrative around Black men and their engagement in the political process. In recent remarks, former President Barack Obama criticized Black men for their perceived lack of support for Vice President Harris, framing their disengagement as sexist. This is not the first time Obama has used his platform to publicly chastise Black men, and it certainly won’t be the last. But this narrative oversimplifies the reasons why some Black men may feel disillusioned with the political process.

Black men, particularly Black fathers, face a unique set of challenges that are often ignored by the broader political discourse. The lack of targeted resources, programs, and policies that specifically address the needs of Black fathers has contributed to this disillusionment. Public criticism of Black men’s political choices does little to address the systemic barriers that have historically kept them from fully participating in the political process. Rather than framing Black men’s disengagement as a failure of personal responsibility, we must take a closer look at the reasons behind it—reasons that often include the lack of support for Black fathers, the systemic disenfranchisement of Black men, and the failure of many policies to adequately address their unique challenges.

It is also important to recognize that no single individual—whether it’s President Obama or a high-profile celebrity—speaks for all Black men. Black men are not a monolith, and their experiences and priorities are as diverse as their backgrounds. While many may support Vice President Harris because of her historical significance, others may base their voting decisions on different factors, including policy positions that directly impact their daily lives and the lives of their families. We must respect that Black men, like all voters, have the right to make informed decisions that reflect their individual needs and values.

At Fathers Incorporated, we believe that Black fathers should be empowered to make decisions that benefit their families, both economically and socially. The Opportunity Agenda is a promising step toward addressing some of the economic challenges Black men face, but it must be accompanied by efforts to support Black fathers in all aspects of their lives. Black men need resources that help them not only build wealth but also build strong families and healthy communities.

For more information about our work and how we are supporting Black fathers across the country, visit us at www.fathersincorporated.com or www.blackdadscount.com.