On Monday night in Detroit, Black men gathered with purpose. Leaders, activists, and influencers came together for a critical discussion. Hosted by the Harris-Walz campaign and the Michigan Democratic Party, the event focused on what lies ahead for Black men in this election. Vice President Kamala Harris’ Opportunity Agenda was the center of attention. The plan addresses key issues like jobs, healthcare, and lowering costs for Black families. This was a moment of action.
What started as a simple Monday Night Football watch party quickly transformed into a powerful meeting of minds, hosted by the Harris-Walz campaign and Michigan Democratic Party. Don Cheadle, Delroy Lindo, NFL stars, and Detroit’s most influential activists came together—not to cheer on a team—but to rally around Vice President Kamala Harris’ new Opportunity Agenda for Black men.
This didn’t boil down to politics as usual. A bigger picture was present. One that is about survival, empowerment, and making sure that the policies impacting Black men’s lives are shaped by those who understand their struggles. For years, Black men have been marginalized in America’s political landscape, but that narrative is changing—because they’re stepping into leadership positions to fight for their communities.
Delroy Lindo, with his commanding presence, got right to the point when he addressed the room. “This moment is about us. It’s about Black men taking back control of our futures. We’ve been the backbone of this country, and now it’s time for the country to invest in us.”
His words hit hard because, for too long, Black men have been used as political talking points but rarely given the resources or attention needed to thrive. Vice President Harris’ Opportunity Agenda is here to change that. It’s about lowering the cost of living for Black families, expanding economic opportunities, and creating jobs that actually pay the bills. This isn’t a handout—it’s the investment that Black men deserve and have long fought for.
This gathering was a watch party that seemingly became a true reckoning. Black men from all walks of life, from athletes to actors to activists, came together to have the conversation that too often gets overlooked: what this election means for Black men, their families, and their futures.
The Harris-Walz campaign has been hosting “Black Men Huddle Ups” across battleground states, and Detroit’s event stood out as a pivotal moment. There was a collective understanding in the room that this election isn’t just about who sits in the White House—it’s about whether Black men will finally be at the center of policy decisions that affect their lives.
NFL player Thomas Booker, usually celebrated for physical prowess, turned his attention to the political battlefield. Booker spoke about the opportunities and struggles he’s seen firsthand. “This election isn’t just about Trump or Biden,” he said, his voice carrying a deep sense of urgency. “It’s about whether Black men are going to be left behind again. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines this time.”
That sentiment echoed throughout the night. Trump’s Project 2025 loomed large in the background, a plan that threatens to undo years of progress for Black men. Under his agenda, Black families could see their costs rise by nearly $4,000 annually, with critical healthcare programs like Obamacare stripped away. The $35 insulin cap for seniors that Vice President Harris helped secure? Gone. What the masses must understand is that this is deeper than politics—it’s personal. And Black men in the room knew that their communities would be hit hardest if the wrong choices were made in this election.
Don Cheadle, actor and a long-time advocate for justice, didn’t hold back. “We’ve got to be the ones leading this fight. No one is coming to save us. It’s on us to save ourselves, and we have the power to do that.”
The Harris-Walz Opportunity Agenda recognizes the specific challenges that Black men face, from systemic barriers to economic exclusion. The plan focuses on creating good-paying jobs, reducing healthcare costs, and investing in Black-owned businesses. It’s a recognition that Black men, often sidelined in these discussions, are key players in shaping America’s future.
“This isn’t charity,” one Detroit activist said. “This is justice. This is about getting what we’ve earned and what we deserve. We’ve been carrying this country for generations, and it’s about time this country started carrying us.”
Vice President Harris has long been vocal about the importance of uplifting Black communities, but her Opportunity Agenda for Black men is a concrete step toward making that happen. By addressing the economic disparities that disproportionately impact Black men, Harris is offering solutions that target the root causes of inequality, not just its symptoms.
As Delroy Lindo stood before the crowd, he reminded everyone of the larger historical and even biblical significance of this moment. “We’re standing at a precipice, a historic and sacred moment in time. From Moses to Malcolm, Black men have always been called to lead. Now, it’s our turn. We can’t just wait for the world to change—we have to change it ourselves.”
His words reverberated through the room because they spoke to a deep truth. For too long, Black men have been at the margins of America’s political conversations. But in Detroit, that narrative is shifting. This event, part of a larger national movement, was about ensuring that Black men not only have a seat at the table but that they are leading the discussions.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Trump’s Project 2025 is a direct attack on the progress Black men have made over the past several decades. The room grew quiet as leaders detailed the devastating impact this agenda would have on Black men’s health, wealth, and livelihoods. But there was also a deep sense of resolve.
Don Cheadle’s voice carried across the room. “This is our fight. We’ve got the numbers, the power, and the vision. Now, we’ve just got to put it all into action.”
Black men in Detroit know what it means to struggle, but they also know what it means to win. This isn’t the first time they’ve been called to lead, and it won’t be the last. The Harris-Walz campaign’s “Black Men Huddle Ups” are much more than policy, they’re safe-spaces for empowerment, unity, and strategy.
Detroit has always been at the forefront of Black resistance and resilience, and Monday night was no different. As the watch party continued, it became clear that this was more than a political event that night was a declaration. Black men are taking their futures into their own hands, and with the Opportunity Agenda, they’re being given the tools to do just that.
One of the NFL stars in attendance summed it up best. “The game doesn’t end when we leave the field. The real game starts now. This is about our families, our futures, and our freedom.”
As the event wound down, the message was clear: Black men in Detroit and across the country are ready to lead. They’re ready to fight for their communities, for their children, and for the future they deserve. The Harris-Walz Opportunity Agenda is a plan and a promise all in one. A promise that Black men will no longer be left behind.
Delroy Lindo’s closing words lingered in the room. “We are the change we’ve been waiting for. We’ve always been the ones. Now it’s time to let the world know.”
Detroit isn’t waiting for change to come. Detroit is the change. And Black men are leading the way.
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