Full Breakdown
Barbershop Forum on Black Men’s Political Outlook
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Political strategist Khalil Thompson convened a two-hour discussion at Philly Cuts, a West Philadelphia barbershop, on a recent Friday night. Organized by his group Win With Black Men, the gathering brought together a few dozen Black men—including local politicians, union leaders, longtime residents, newcomers, and high-school students—to explore why many did not enthusiastically back Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race and what issues drive their political choices.
Context: 2024 Election and Shifts in Black Male Voting
The conversation followed former President Donald Trump’s 2024 victory, which saw about one-quarter of Black men supporting him, according to the AP VoteCast survey of more than 120,000 registered voters. That marks a rise from 12 % in 2020. Thompson noted that Black men’s voting patterns are increasingly viewed as pivotal for upcoming contests, especially the 2028 Democratic primary in South Carolina, where their influence is expected to be decisive.
Data & Statistics on Black Men’s Socioeconomic Status
- Unemployment: In July, Black men aged 20 and older faced a 6.2 % unemployment rate, nearly double the 3.5 % rate for white men (federal data).
- Wealth: A 2022 Federal Reserve survey reported median Black family wealth at $44,890 versus $285,010 for white families.
- Incarceration: The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicated that in 2023 Black men’s imprisonment rate was about 5.5 times that of white men.
Official Statements & Responses
Thompson emphasized the need to move beyond a “monolithic filter” in polling and messaging, arguing that policies supporting breadwinning, wealth building, and education resonate across regions and income levels. State Senator Vincent Hughes stressed that dialogue is essential to turn anger into civic action. Political pollster Terrance Woodbury of HIT Strategies warned that candidates ignoring the disproportionate impact of Black men in South Carolina risk missing a crucial voter bloc.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We know the shop is like our own country club that we come to, so we really just want to start having a conversation about what’s important to us in our community,” — Khalil Thompson, political strategist
- “You looked your mom in your face, you looked your aunt in the face,” — Al Glay
- “For the longest time, we always have a reason to distrust government, because we know our history, right?” — Maurice Anderson
- “Black men are not a monolith,” — Terrance Woodbury
- “We have the freedom today that countless ancestors prayed for, died for,” — Khalil Thompson, political strategist