Kamala Harris Speaks Directly To Black Americans In Audio Town Hall

Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with Charlamagne Tha God for a town hall-style conversation during which she addressed issues impacting the Black community ahead of the 2024 election.

On Tuesday (October 15), the vice president spoke directly to the Black community during her conversation with "The Breakfast Club" radio host titled “We the People: An Audio Town Hall with Kamala Harris,” which was recorded live from Detroit, Michigan.

The Democratic nominee addressed misinformation about the work she has done and plans to do for the Black community.

“One of the biggest challenges I face is misinformation, and it’s purposeful,” Harris said of her bid for the White House.

Harris shut down claims that she targeted and "locked up" hundreds of Black men during her career as a prosecutor in San Francisco. "It’s not true. I was the most progressive prosecutor on marijuana," Harris said. The vice president pledged to work toward decriminalizing marijuana, acknowledging that its criminalization disproportionately affects Black men.

During Tuesday's town hall, Harris also stressed how plans outlined in her economic agenda will help uplift the Black community and foster generational wealth. The Democratic nominee said she would offer financial assistance for first-time home buyers and small business owners, talking points that have remained consistent throughout her presidential campaign. Harris also addressed how the history of redlining and racial bias in home appraisal have impacted Black wealth.

"The needs of the Black community are not just about criminal justice,” Harris said Tuesday.

The vice president also fielded questions about her alleged lack of engagement with the Black church. Harris maintained that she grew up in a Black church in Oakland, California and has consistently stayed tapped in with Black church leaders. She suggested that questions about her connection to the church stem from misinformation spread by her Republican opponent and former President Donald Trump . Harris also called out Trump for "selling $60 bibles and tennis shoes" in an attempt to connect with the Black community.

"What I’m talking about is not new and it’s not about winning this election. It’s a longstanding commitment," Harris said.

During her conversation with Charlamagne, Harris also debunked misinformation about stimulus checks sent out during the COVID-19 pandemic that were signed by Trump. Harris shut down claims that the former president was responsible for the relief funds, saying Americans received the checks due to work done by the Democratic-majority Congress.

Harris urged Black Americans on Tuesday to not be swayed by misinformation and to cast their ballots this election cycle.

“You can’t let anyone take you out of the game by not voting," Harris said.

To those who have been critical of Harris "sticking to her talk points" and appearing "scripted" during her media appearances, the vice president quipped: “That would be called discipline.”

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