With Election Day approaching, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Obamas, and voting rights leaders are ramping up efforts to boost Black voter turnout through events like concerts, carnivals, and “Souls to the Polls” rallies. These efforts are aimed at mobilizing Black communities, who have historically played a crucial role in major elections.
Harris, who would be the second Black president if elected, has made engaging Black voters a central focus of her campaign. To help, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are campaigning in key battleground states.
Over the weekend, Michelle Obama rallied voters in Pennsylvania alongside Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys, while Barack Obama spoke in Milwaukee, emphasizing the impact of voting. “Your vote is your chance to tell folks in power what you want,” Michelle Obama said.
In Miami, church members marched to an early voting site as part of “Souls to the Polls,” inspiring others to vote. Local resident Regina Tharpe noted, “It helps a lot to encourage others to vote when they see us walking down the street.”
Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is actively courting Black voters, particularly Black men, with economic appeals and outreach events. GOP Representatives Byron Donalds and Wesley Hunt have been key figures, hosting events like a barbershop roundtable in Philadelphia.
Trump’s campaign has pushed controversial messages, such as claiming undocumented immigrants take jobs from Black Americans, despite economists disputing this. The campaign hopes that Trump’s positions on the economy, crime, and traditional values will attract Black voters.
In Detroit, where Black turnout is essential, the “Pistonsland” festival—a nonpartisan carnival organized by the Detroit Pistons near an early voting site—brought the community together with food, music, and entertainment.
“I don’t like either candidate,” said Detroit native Karl Patrick, but he ultimately chose Harris, fearing Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. He noted that not all his friends felt the same way, with some backing Trump.
Despite a slight lag in early Black voter turnout compared to 2020 in states like North Carolina, efforts to close the gap ramped up as early voting concluded. Leaders remain optimistic that turnout on Election Day will be strong. “There’s always a group of people who don’t believe their vote makes a difference,” said Rev.
Wendell Anthony, a Detroit pastor and NAACP leader, “but the indicators are that those people are going to turn out. They’re not going to miss this historic moment.”
As Black voters are targeted with varied strategies, many hope these mobilization efforts will ensure their voices are heard, with both parties recognizing the critical role Black communities play in shaping the outcome of the election.
