(Philadelphia, PA) — In a political climate where Black men’s voices are increasingly critical, a growing number are expressing discontent with former President Barack Obama’s recent public endorsement of Kamala Harris. Specifically, many Black men resent the undertone of Obama's message, which implies that their reluctance to support Harris is tied to a fragile masculinity or resistance to seeing a woman in power. The narrative, according to many within the community, paints an inaccurate and condescending picture of Black men’s motivations for seeking alternatives at the ballot box.

Misguided Focus on Gender?

Former President Obama, a revered figure among many in the Black community, has in recent months ramped up his efforts to galvanize support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the next presidential nominee. In his speeches, Obama has suggested that some Black men are uncomfortable with the idea of a woman—particularly a Black woman—ascending to the highest office in the land. According to Obama, this reluctance is more about cultural resistance than policy.

However, many Black men are pushing back against this narrative. They argue that it diminishes their legitimate concerns and priorities, particularly when it comes to financial empowerment. “It's not about Kamala being a woman, it's about what she stands for—or doesn’t stand for—when it comes to our economic future,” says Darnell Roberts, a small business owner in Detroit. “Black men want candidates who focus on wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and financial independence, not just social programs that don’t create generational wealth.”

The Disconnect Between Obama and Black Men

Black men’s frustrations stem from a perception that their interests have been sidelined in favor of social issues that, while important, do not speak directly to their economic needs. For many, Obama’s endorsement of Harris feels like a continuation of a broader political strategy that takes Black voters for granted.

“We’re being told that if we don’t support Kamala, we’re not progressive enough, or we’re insecure about a woman in power. But that’s not the case,” explains Greg Simmons, an educator and father of three in Atlanta. “Our community has been led by strong Black women for generations. The issue is that Kamala doesn’t seem to address the core problems we’re facing—things like wealth inequality, lack of access to capital, and the absence of policies that build long-term financial security.”

Many Black men argue that the political establishment has taken their votes for granted for too long. While Obama remains a symbol of hope and change, there’s a growing belief that his approach to campaigning for Harris dismisses the economic concerns of Black men, reducing them to a stereotype of fragile masculinity rather than acknowledging their desire for substantive change.

Wealth Creation, Not Just Social Programs

The core issue at hand is wealth creation, a topic that has not received sufficient attention from Harris or the Democratic establishment, according to critics. Many Black men argue that they are tired of hearing promises about expanding social programs, which they believe do not go far enough in addressing systemic economic inequality.