Black Men Vote 2026 Action Agenda
At Black Men Vote’s inaugural National Stakeholders Summit, Black men from across the country voiced a clear mandate: it’s time to move Black men’s political power from the margins to the center of American democracy In 2026, Black Men Vote (BMV) will translate summit insights into bold action. Our mission: empower Black men as trusted community messengers, economic change-agents, and civic leaders in every arena – from the barber shops to the ballot box. This brief outlines BMV’s 2026 Action Agenda, a punchy roadmap to elevate Black men’s voices in all 14 target states, expand our grassroots network, and drive tangible policy wins. It is a call-to-action for partners, allies, and Black men everywhere to join a movement that will make Black men’s political voices unavoidable and authoritative in 2026 and beyond.
Strategic Priorities for 2026
Expand Trusted Messengers: BMV will recruit and train a powerful cadre of rs – barbers, coaches, fraternity brothers, veterans –voices in their communities In 2026 these trusted ter registration drives at churches, barbershops and “Know Your Ballot” workshops, and mentor younger ership By centering outreach on familiar faces, we disinformation, ensuring Black men hear from people they know and respect.
Build Workforce Pipelines & Economic Pathways: Expanding political power goes hand-in-hand with expanding economic opportunity. BMV is forging workforce development pipelines that connect civic engagement ack men. In 2026 we will partner with unions, HBCUs, h initiatives like “Black Men Work” training programs cubators, so that civic events double as job fairs and ies By investing in Black men’s economic mobility reentry programs to Black-owned business support), we address the top priorities Black men cite – good jobs, financial security, and opportunities to build wealth. When Black men see tangible economic pathways, they are more energized to participate civically.
Harness Data & Research for Impact: In 2026, BMV will deploy robust data systems and polling to inform our strategy and measure progress. We’re building a centralized database to track Black male voter registration, turnout ment levels in real time. We will commission polling to elevate Black men’s demands on issues from ing, ensuring our agenda reflects the community’s ll power targeted outreach – for example, if polling ers care most about early childhood education or p g, messages and policy education on those fronts Data is also our accountability tool: we aim to narrow the turnout gap between Black men and Black women (historically ~5%) by tracking gains in each election. Every strategic decision – where to canvass, which issues to highlight – will be driven by what the data tells us Black men want and need.
Deepen Cultural & Community Presence: BMV meets Black men where they are, infusing civic engagement into Black culture. In 2026, look for BMV at cultural touchstones – from a booth at Essence Festival in New Orleans to c conferences. We’ll sponsor tailgate voter drives at d barbershop conversations series that turn Saturday forums By embedding voting into celebrations of participation feel natural and powerful A key summit ces for diverse Black male identities – BMV is doing that by convening men of all walks (young, older, LGBTQ+, rural, urban) in culturally resonant gatherings. The message: every Black man belongs in this movement.
Advance a Policy Agenda for Black Men: BMV isn’t just about voting – it’s about delivering results on issues Black men care about In 2026 we will champion a focused policy agenda, centering education, health, and ck men. This includes pushing for funding for early nd literacy programs, expanding mental health for Black men, supporting Black entrepreneurship capital, facilitating workforce reentry for formerly nd advocating for Black farmers in rural communities. te capitols and city halls, backed by research and the voices of Black men, to demand these changes. Our theory of change: when policies reflect Black men’s needs, Black men see the system working for them – spurring a virtuous cycle of greater engagement
National Presence with Local Reach: 14 States, One Mission
In 2026, BMV will be on the ground in 14 states – from the Deep South to the Midwest and beyond – driving home that Black men’s voices matter everywhere. Our field teams and partners are activating urban centers and rural counties alike, making sure no Black community is overlooked
In 2026, Black Men Vote is laser-focused on key races that will shape the political landscape and directly impact Black communities nationwide We’re zeroed in on high-stakes US Senate battles in states like North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and Virginia — where Black male turnout could determine control of the chamber. On the House side, we’re watching tight toss-ups and red-to-blue flips in places like Pennsylvania (PA-01, PA-07, PA10), Texas (TX-15*, TX-34*), Wisconsin (WI-01, WI-03), and North Carolina (NC-01), where every vote will count. We’re also tracking statewide and gubernatorial races in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Nevada — contests where Black men’s voices must be heard With Wisconsin’s Supreme Court on the ballot and special consideration in Colorado’s Senate and gubernatorial races, BMV is ensuring our energy and organizing power show up wherever our influence can tip the scales
What You Can Do – Join the Movement
BMV’s 2026 agenda is bold – and we need you to make it reality. Here’s how different stakeholders can step up:
Black Men in the Community: Be a leader Register to vote and help two other brothers register Sign up as a BMV Ambassador to get training and resources to organize your neighborhood. Use your voice – speak at town halls, share why voting matters with your friends. Show up at BMV events and bring another brother with you. Your story and your vote can inspire change.
Community & Faith Leaders: Open your doors. Host a voter education session at your church, barbershop, or community center – BMV can provide speakers and materials Encourage the men in your networks to serve as poll workers or canvass volunteers Integrate civic engagement into existing programs (youth mentoring, job training, etc.) by partnering with BMV for workshops or voter drives. A strong endorsement from a trusted pastor, coach, or elder can move mountains – we welcome your partnership.
Elected Officials & Candidates: Stand with Black men Attend or co-sponsor a Black Men Vote town hall or summit to hear directly from Black male constituents. Publicly support policy solutions from the 2026 Action Agenda – whether it’s funding for Black mental health counselors or small business grants. Commit to hiring Black men on your staff and advisory boards. Most importantly, treat Black men as stakeholders year-round, not just in election season. We invite officials to work with BMV in crafting and championing legislation that addresses the priorities raised by Black men at our summits.
Allies, Donors & Partners: Invest in this vision. Donate to fuel BMV’s 2026 state campaigns – your contribution helps put boots on the ground and ballots in hand. If you represent a foundation or business, sponsor a BMV event or provide resources (grants for our entrepreneurship programs, spaces for meetings, tech tools for our data team) Volunteer your expertise – whether as a legal observer to protect voting rights, a mentor for our young leaders, or a social media amplifier to spread the word Every ally can play a role: this is a movement for anyone who believes in an inclusive
BMV’s Promise
2026 will be a year of unprecedented visibility, voice, and victory for Black men in the political arena. We are building on the momentum of our 2025 Summit, carrying forth its themes of unity, identity, and self-determination. By year’s end, Black men will not only turn out to vote in record numbers – they will shape the conversations and outcomes that affect their lives From the streets to the statehouse, Black men will lead. We invite you to walk with us on this journey and keep pushing forward, together, until Black men stand securely at the center of American political life.
