Rachael Carroll
What Black Youth Want for Their Vote
​What Black Youth Want for Their Vote
Rachael Carroll
NCBCP Thomas W. Dortch Jr. Institute Fellow
To be young, gifted, and Black is a profound and empowering identity. As the future of this country, we hold an unmatched amount of power in the ballots we cast. The weight of this responsibility should be reflected in the policies and promises made by our leaders. Yet, the political landscape is often marred by broken promises and unattainable goals. It is crucial to address the genuine needs and aspirations of young Black voters, ensuring that our voices are not only heard but also heeded.
Education
Access to education stands as a cornerstone for young Black voters today. The importance of affordable college education and student loan forgiveness cannot continue to be overlooked. For many Black students, the financial burden of higher education can be overwhelming, creating a significant barrier to achieving academic and professional goals. According to the Federal Reserve, Black students are more likely to take on student loan debt and are disproportionately affected by its long-term financial impacts (Wright, 2023). As of 2023, on average, Black college graduates owed $25,000 more in student loans than their white counterparts, even after accounting for higher education attainment (The Federal Reserve, 2024). This student loan debt can stifle potential, prevent home ownership, and delay economic stability.
Education should be a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for those with the financial means. Investing in affordable education and forgiving student loans will provide more Black students with the opportunity to learn and grow without the crippling stress of high costs and exorbitant interest rates. This investment is not just about individual success but about building a stronger, more equitable society. By empowering young Black students with access to affordable education, we are investing in future leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators who will drive positive change and contribute meaningfully to our communities. For example, the Education Trust highlights how investments in education equity can close achievement gaps and promote long-term economic growth (Morgan, 2022).
Economic Opportunities
Economic opportunities are another critical area where young Black voters seek meaningful progress. The racial wealth gap remains a stark and persistent issue, with Black communities often facing systemic barriers to economic success. According to the U.S. Census, the median wealth of Black families is roughly one-tenth that of white families (Sullivan et al., 2024). Economic empowerment means creating environments where Black-owned businesses can flourish and where there is equitable access to capital and resources. Black-owned businesses continue to face significant barriers to accessing capital, which affects their growth and sustainability.
Creating economic opportunities also involves advocating for policies that ensure fair wages, job security, and career advancement opportunities for all. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reports that Black workers earn about 23.4 percent less per hour than white workers on average and face higher unemployment rates (Maye, 2023). Economic justice is not a mere catchphrase; it is an essential step toward achieving true equality. The promise of a fair and just economy requires tangible efforts to close the racial wealth gap, support Black entrepreneurs, and ensure that economic policies benefit all citizens, not just a privileged few.
Reproductive Justice
Reproductive justice is another area where young Black voters are calling for significant change. This issue encompasses more than just access to healthcare; it involves the right to make autonomous decisions about our bodies, families, and futures. The Guttmacher Institute reports that Black women face higher rates of unintended pregnancies and have less access to comprehensive reproductive health services (Fuentes, 2023). Ensuring comprehensive reproductive health services, education, and support are crucial components of reproductive justice. Young Black voters demand policies that protect these rights and promote health equity.
Reproductive justice is deeply intertwined with racial and economic justice, recognizing that the ability to make informed and empowered choices about one’s reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of personal freedom and equality. Ensuring access to these services is not just a matter of individual rights but also a critical component of broader social justice (Onwuachi-Saunders, et al., 2019).
Activating the Youth Vote
Young Black people possess the power to dramatically influence elections. Our votes can shape policies that reflect our values and priorities, and in a democracy, every vote counts. Politicians must recognize the power of the Black youth vote and engage with us in meaningful ways. According to a Pew Research Center report, Black voters, particularly younger ones, played a pivotal role in recent elections, demonstrating their capacity to drive significant political change (Cox, 2024). This means addressing our concerns with concrete actions rather than relying on empty promises. The ability of young Black voters to mobilize and drive systemic change underscores the importance of our participation in the political process. Our collective voices can create a groundswell of support for policies that advance equity and justice, making it imperative for politicians to engage with us genuinely and respectfully.
As we look toward the future, it is vital to prioritize the issues that matter most to young Black voters. We must hold politicians accountable, demanding that they fulfill their promises and address the concerns of our communities. Our votes are not just a means to an end but a powerful expression of our agency and aspirations. By participating in the electoral process, we honor our past struggles, shape our present conditions, and pave the way for a more equitable future. We are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. Our voices matter, and it is time for the political system to recognize and respect our power.
Together, we can build a society that values and uplifts all its members. A society where every vote counts, and where the dreams of young Black people are realized. By focusing on the genuine needs and aspirations of young Black voters and holding our leaders accountable, we can ensure that our political system reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of our communities. Our collective efforts will drive meaningful change and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
References
Cox, Kiana. (2024). An Early Look at Black Voters’ Views on Biden, Trump and Election 2024. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/05/20/an-early-look-at-black-voters-views-on-biden-trump-and-election-2024/
The Federal Reserve. (May 2024). Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2003. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2023-report-economic-well-being-us-households-202405.pdf.
Fuentes, Liza. (January 2023). Inequity in US Abortion Rights and Access: The End of Roe is Deepening Existing Divides. Guttmacher Institute. https://www.guttmacher.org/2023/01/inequity-us-abortion-rights-and-access-end-roe-deepening-existing-divides
Maye, Adewale. (August 1, 2023). Chasing the Dream of Equity: How Policy Has Shaped Racial Economic Disparities. Economic Policy Institute. https://www.epi.org/publication/chasing-the-dream-of-equity/#full-report
Morgan, Ivy. (December 2022). Equal Is Not Enough: An Analysis of School Funding Equity Across the U.S. and Within Each State. The Education Trust. https://edtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Equal-Is-Not-Good-Enough-December-2022.pdf
Onwuachi-Saunders, C., Dang, Q. P., & Murray, J. (2019). Reproductive rights, reproductive justice: Redefining challenges to create optimal health for all women. Journal of Healthcare, Science and the Humanities, 9(1), 19.
Sullivan, B., Hays, D., Bennett, N. (April 23, 2024). Households With a White, Non-Hispanic Householder Were Ten Times Wealthier Than Those WIth a Black Householder in 2021. United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2024/04/wealth-by-race.html#:~:text=Those%20with%20a%20Black%20householder%20made%20up%2013.6%25%20of%20all,the%20value%20of%20debts%20owed.
Wright, Marisa. (April 17, 2023). How Student Loan Forgiveness Can Help Close The Racial Wealth Gap and Advance Economic Justice. NAACP Legal Defense Fund. https://www.naacpldf.org/student-loans-racial-wealth-gap/