Attendees holding ‘Black Voters for Harris/Walz’ and ‘Coach’ signs during Tim Walz’s Michigan visit
At Vino & Vibes on a sunny Friday afternoon, about 40 Black men gathered over small bites and refreshments, exchanging ideas and personal stories. What began as casual banter soon evolved into a spirited discussion about voting priorities, shared concerns, and the significance of civic engagement.
As election day looms less than 25 days away, many in the room voiced certainty. However, some are still torn between Kamala Harris’s strong appeal to younger and college-educated Black voters and the shifting political landscape, where Donald Trump’s base remained strong among older and White male voters. For these men, the question wasn’t just who to support but why it mattered now more than ever.
In the midst of it all, Governor Tim Walz joined the circle, not as a politician but as a listener. He readily engaged directly with every man in the room, visited every table, and listened intently to each Black man during his Michigan stop.
Walz was enthusiastic about his upcoming visit to Michigan, where he planned to openly address the concerns of everyday people regarding the economy, home ownership, and supporting small businesses.
“All those things that the middle class is looking for, and the choice we have in this election, between Donald Trump’s vision of whether it is outsourcing jobs, or tax cuts for the wealthest or Kamala Harris’s vision of refocusing on the middle class, child tax credit and getting that message out to folks,” Walz said.
Vino & Vibes wine bar is owned by Flint native Deanna Nolan and her wife, Anna Nolan. Deanna also played for the Detroit Shock, helping the team win its first championship in 2003.
“It’s still mind-blowing for us that people are still finding out about us; we are Black-owned, gay-owned, and minority-owned. So it’s just an honor that our spot was chosen and recognized because we’re still like a hidden gem of Macomb County,” Deanna said.
Justin Walters, 25, a Michigan resident working for an electric company, has two main voting priorities in this election: the economy and the environment. Recently, after graduating with an MBA, he has also been concerned about debt, the housing market, and family planning.
“I was a constituent services representative for about two years, so that got me in the political sphere. (I’m) just trying to find ways that I can be active in my own community. And when I heard about this event, I was like, ‘oh, it’s perfect, because I’m a resident, I’m voting Kamala Harris” Walters said.
“I just want to see what else Governor Walz was going to say today, see if there’s anything we can sway him on.”
With the looking doubt of Black men’s support and conversation around not being prepared to have a woman President or not voting at all, Barack Obama addressed a room of Black men last week, saying, ” When you have a choice that is this clear. When you have somebody who grew up like you, went to college like you, and understands your struggles, and pain and pain and joy that comes from those experiences. Who has had to work harder and do more and overcome…”
“Part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that,” Obama said.
Micheal Harris, a 46-year-old resident of Michigan, stressed that his top priorities are deeply connected to his family and the well-being of his community, especially the youth.
“Education is very important, just furthering funding for education and supporting public education. Another voting priority of mine is honestly, due to family situations, the Affordable Healthcare Act as well,” Harris said.
Donavan McKinney, 32, Michigan State Representative, the youngest state representative to be elected, expressed his hope and excitement about making history with the support of young Black men.
“I’m feeling hopeful, because we have 25 days until the election, and this is going to be a make or break election. Every single election from here on out is going to be the most consequential election of our lifetime,” McKinney said.
“To see all of our young folks, young black men in particular, that came out in support of the Harris/Waltz ticket, but more importantly, discussing their concerns, because a lot of them do not feel included in the process, just they gave me so much hope. We’re going to make history again in this country.”
Vice President Harris is scheduled to attend a town hall event in Detroit on Tuesday powered by iHeart Radio and hosted by Charlamagne tha God of The Breakfast Club.
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