Political strategist Khalil Thompson facilitated a community discussion at Philly Cuts barbershop in West Philadelphia on Friday, August 21, 2026, to examine the political priorities of Black men. The event, organized by the group Win With Black Men, focused on shifts in voting patterns following the 2024 presidential election. Participants, including local politicians, union leaders, and students, discussed government investment, economic opportunities, and historical distrust of political institutions.
Thompson co-founded Win With Black Men in 2023 to mobilize Black men and identify their specific policy needs across different regions and economic backgrounds. The organization's efforts were heightened after Harris entered the 2024 presidential race, in which Democrat Kamala Harris lost to Republican Donald Trump. Thompson stated that pollsters and campaigns often treat Black men as a monolith, which he argued leads to ineffective messaging and outreach.
During the session, attendees expressed varying views on the factors influencing voter choice. Civil engineer Stanley Thigpen noted that Trump has long been a figure in popular culture, while real estate agent Al Glay cited Trump’s past comments regarding the "Exonerated Five" as a reason for opposition. Barber Maurice Anderson mentioned that past Democratic policies, such as the 1994 crime legislation signed by President Bill Clinton, contributed to a sense of political disillusionment among some community members.
The discussion highlighted significant economic disparities. According to 2022 Federal Reserve data, Black families had a median wealth of $44,890, compared to $285,010 for white families. Additionally, federal data from July showed the unemployment rate for Black men age 20 and older was 6.2%, nearly double the 3.5% rate for white men. Bureau of Justice Statistics figures from 2023 also indicated that the imprisonment rate for Black men was 5.5 times higher than that for white men.
The outcomes of these outreach efforts will be tested in upcoming election cycles. Political pollster Terrance Woodbury noted that several potential 2028 presidential candidates are already consulting on outreach strategies for Black men, particularly regarding the South Carolina primary. Thompson stated that issues such as civil rights policing, corporate diversity programs, and the teaching of national history remain motivating factors for voters as they look toward the midterm elections. The group Win With Black Men intends to continue these dialogues to translate community frustration into civic engagement and voter mobilization.