Vice President Kamala Harris promotes DEI, Black economic opportunity in Atlanta visit

ATLANTA - Vice President Kamala Harris focused on creating economic opportunities for Black and Brown communities during her visit to Atlanta Monday afternoon. 

"We have so many people with incredible ideas, they are innovative, hardworking," Harris said. "For most folks, we lack access to the resources that will feed those ambitions."

The Vice President said the Biden administration has helped offset the economic disparity felt in Black communities. She highlighted efforts to forgive student loan debt, lower the cost of housing, and rebuild communities divided by the interstate highway system.

"In spite of those who in certain parts of our country want to attack DEI, we understand that you can’t truly invest in the strength of our nation if you don’t pay attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion," Harris said.

Recent polls have suggested Democrats have lost ground with Black and Brown voters, which could make victory in key battleground states, like Georgia, harder.

The VP joined Georgia’s two Democratic senators in touting the $200 million in federal funding that will be used for "The Stitch" in Downtown Atlanta, which would cover the connector.

About sixty years ago, the highway cut off predominantly Black neighborhoods from Downtown. 

"This historic federal investment, all of these deliverables represent the good that we can accomplish when we put politics aside and center the people," Rev. Sen. Raphael Warnock said. "At last, we start now down the road of repairing and revitalizing and reconnecting neighborhoods in the heart of Atlanta."

Rodney Blackstock, a businessman and member of 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, said he came looking for specific resources that could be available to him and other entrepreneurs.

"Anytime you can get the Vice President to come to Atlanta and get to sit down and have a conversation with us and tell us what’s going on is very informative," Blackstock said.

He said one of the biggest challenges is access to capital.

"Finances, Money. Opportunity," Blackstock said. "Where do you want to have the business at, being in a market where you can start your business and grow."

Amid national protests about the U.S. response to the crisis in Gaza, there were no major protests or disruptions at Monday's event.

However, some students and faculty at Morehouse College have asked President Biden to cancel his graduation speech.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a First In The Nation campaign rally at South Carolina State University on February 02, 2024 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Harris touting administration's small business support

During the tour, Harris highlighted the investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration, which have reportedly supported communities and helped people thrive. This includes investments in small businesses, job creation, access to capital for underserved communities, investments in infrastructure, healthcare initiatives, debt relief programs, education investments, affordable housing efforts, childcare cost reductions, and wealth-building initiatives.

"President Biden and I are committed to creating an economy in which every person has the freedom to thrive," Harris said in a statement. "Our economic approach has delivered great progress, and we will continue to invest in you, your family, and your future."

The vice president also outlined additional steps that she and President Biden are taking to expand this work. She was joined on the tour by Administration officials, members of Congress, local leaders, and other special guests.

Since the beginning of 2024, Harris has made more than 35 trips to 16 states, meeting with small business owners and entrepreneurs in underserved communities to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face.