In outreach to Black men, Harris to vow to legalize weed, protect crypto

In outreach to Black men, Harris to vow to legalize weed, protect crypto toggle caption Brendan Smialowski/AFP Vice President Kamala Harris is pledging Monday to legalize recreational marijuana, protect cryptocurrency assets and give 1 million loans to Black entrepreneurs, as part of her efforts to court Black voters who may be pivotal in the presidential race. Among the initiatives being announced by Harris Monday: Sponsor Message Legalizing recreational marijuana and providing opportunities for Black Americans to succeed in the industry 1 million fully forgivable loans of up to $20,000 for Black entrepreneurs and others to start businesses a plan come up with rules for cryptocurrency and other digital assets; more than 20% of Black Americans own or have owned cryptocurrency assets, according to the campaign invest more in Black male teachers, promote registered apprenticeships and credentialing opportunities in Black communities and investing in leadership training and mentorship programs like My Brother’s Keeper a National Health Equity Initiative focused on Black Men that addresses sickle cell disease, diabetes, mental health, prostate cancer, and other health challenges that disproportionately affect them Harris will talk about the plan on Monday in Erie, Pa. Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, a co-chair of the Harris' campaign, said her new announcement is part of her "Opportunity Economy" pledge — “an economy where people don't just get by, but get ahead. Sponsor Message Obama weighed in last week Softening of support among Black men could hurt Harris in what is shaping up to be a tight election. “It’s demeaning to suggest that we can’t evaluate a candidate’s track record — especially when Kamala Harris has done more harm than good to Black communities.” As part of its outreach, the Harris campaign will specifically target Black men in the closing days of the election, her campaign said, with events including partnerships with influential Black males, and talks with Black business owners.