Does Kamala Harris have a Black men problem?

“So if you stay ready, you ain't gotta get ready, and that is how I run my life.” - Will Smith

Happy Tuesday, party people! Football season is back in full swing, so grab your gametime snacks, invite some friends over, and keep an eye on your parlays because the Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to make NFL history by winning three straight Super Bowls. Let’s tackle this week with the unwavering confidence of a Cowboys fan!

In today’s email:

• Is Kamala Harris Unfairly Targeted by the Black Community?

• Ghost Jobs on the Rise: How 2024 Became the Year of Fake Job Listings

• Don’t Miss the Poll at the End: We need your opinion!

Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest episodes and news of Allies by following our updates today!

MAIN STORY

Is Kamala Harris Unfairly Targeted by the Black Community?

Rapper and part-time Instagram political commentator Plies stirred up conversation with a simple but provocative question: “You can vote for the AKA or the KKK.” While this catchy phrase grabs attention, it raises a deeper question—can the choice really be that straightforward?

Historically, Black male voters have been a stronghold for the Democratic Party. However, this year, both major parties see Black men, particularly those under 40, as potential swing voters. But why is this shift happening? Critics like Dr. Umar point to a lack of tangible promises delivered to the Black community.

Dr. Umar’s outspoken views are gaining traction this campaign season, as his allegations become more pointed. He claims that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is allegedly paying celebrities for support, even suggesting they offered him $10,000 for an interview. His latest targets include D.L. Hughley, Rickey Smiley, and Steve Harvey, challenging them to a debate on whether the Democratic Party truly represents the interests of African Americans.

• About three-quarters of Black voters (77%) say they would vote for or lean toward Harris if the 2024 presidential election were held today. Another 13% say they would back or lean toward Trump.

• For many younger Black men, issues like wealth creation, entrepreneurship, police reform and anti-discrimination policies in the workplace are top of mind.

• About One-Third of Black Women Voters Say Neither Political Party Does a Better Job Looking Out for People Like Them [Read Here]

“Black People are Not a Monolith”

A significant part of the challenge lies in the fact that the Black community today is not unified around specific issues as it was during the civil rights era. You often hear the phrase, “Black people are not a monolith,” and while this is true, those who wield their collective power and vote as a unified block often achieve better outcomes than fragmented communities. So, what tangible changes is the Black community really seeking from presidential nominees?

Black Americans make up 13.4% of the population, with over 40 million people who identify as Black. This community encompasses a rich diversity of backgrounds, expectations, political views, music, culinary tastes, and perspectives.

A critical aspect of progress for the Black community in the 2024 election is the need for collective, tangible outcomes. Tangibles—specific, measurable benefits—are what communities who vote as a block often secure. For the Black community, these might include:

• Economic Opportunities

• Criminal Justice Reform

• Increased Access to Quality Education

• Healthcare Equity

These are the kinds of promises that can make a real difference in people's lives, but they require unified demands and strategic voting to be realized. As we approach the election, it’s essential to ask: what tangible outcomes are you looking for? What do you want the next administration to deliver for the Black community?

TRENDING

Dreams Have No Expiration Date: Beyonce’s 2016 hit 'Freedom' feat. Kendrick Lamar just soared to No.1 on Billboard's R&B Singles Sales chart, thanks to its spotlight as Kamala Harris’ campaign anthem this week.

LeBron Lays Down the Law: Bronny Can’t Call Him ‘Dad’ During Lakers Season After Being Drafted. [Read Here]

From Salesman to Superstar: Steve Harvey Biopic ‘Seventy-Two’ In Works At Objectively Good Media [Read Here]

Another Day, Another Virus: What is Sloth Fever? The Deadly Virus U.S. Travelers Are Bringing Back from Cuba. [Read Here]

Beauty Products Behind Bars: Should They Be Accessible to Incarcerated Women? The Impact of Makeup Bans on Incarcerated Women

Tyra Banks Is Back! Returning to the Victoria’s Secret Runway After 19 Years. Banks, now 50, will light up the stage again in a spectacular fashion show this October. [Read Here]

When the NFT Hype Faded: OpenSea, Once the Leading Marketplace, Struggles After the Bubble Burst.

Wu-Tang Justice: Shkreli Forced to Hand Over Copies of Rare Album in Legal Battle. [Read Here]

Stunning Admission: Zuckerberg Says Meta Was Pushed by Biden Admin to Censor Content. [Read Here]

Not Bad for a Side Hustle: Kelce Brothers Secure $100 Million Wondery Deal for Podcast. [Read Here]

Meet Jerry Lawson: Black History Spotlight on the Father of Modern Gaming. [Read Here]

Ford Backs Off DEI Initiatives Amid Rising Conservative Pressure. [Read Here]

THE FLIP SIDE

It’s Hard Out Here for a Job Seeker

If you know someone searching for a job, offer them some support—whether it’s a hug or even a bit of cash—they might really need it. That’s because more and more reputable companies are posting fake job openings, often called 'ghost jobs.' In fact, in 2024, 40% of companies admitted to listing these bogus positions, and 30% are still advertising roles that don’t actually exist, according to a May survey by Resume Builder.

These aren’t scams; in fact, they’re postings from reputable companies testing the job market for talent. It’s like a partner keeping their Tinder profile active even while in a committed relationship. According to the survey, companies have various motives for running these deceptive ads. Some want to create the illusion of growth and make current employees believe the company is hiring to ease their workloads.

• The July 2024 jobs report was considerably weaker than expected. Employers added just 114,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, the unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, and average hourly earnings growth slowed to 3.6%.

• Although there is still a labor shortage due to open jobs, there has been a steady decline in employees leaving their current job, creating stability in what has been a volatile market. [Read Here]

• Job seekers in technology, healthcare, and green solutions are finding the most opportunities, especially in tech, as companies meet consumer demands in this digital era; those struggling to find work in 2024 might benefit from shifting to these high-demand fields. [Read Here]

• It’s often difficult to distinguish real job openings from ghost jobs, but some tell-tale signs include vague or generic job descriptions, listings that linger for months, and companies with little to no online presence, which may indicate a scam or phishing attempt.

Job Seekers are Going to have to Work Harder

Job seekers in 2024 will need to work smarter to navigate the challenges of an unpredictable market. With the rise of ghost jobs, focusing on what you can control is key. Networking strategically within target companies, becoming a compelling storyteller about your career, committing to continuous learning, and staying open to new roles or industries can significantly boost your chances of landing a job. By honing these skills, you can better navigate the job search and increase your chances of success.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

At just 21 years old, tendai has emerged as a powerful voice in the music world, blending past and present influences to create a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. His journey began at the tender age of seven, and over the years, he has meticulously crafted a sonic landscape that is both cinematic and intimate. With a vocal style that evokes the smoothness of Ray J and the timeless charisma of Michael Jackson if he were releasing music today, tendai’s sound is as nostalgic as it is contemporary.