Actor Wendell Pierce issued a strong message to Black men at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday.
“There’s blood on that ballot box. Remember those who died in the rivers of Alabama and Mississippi. For them, do the honor and vote,” Pierce, known for roles in “The Wire” and “Suits,” told MSNBC’s Joy Reid on the convention floor.
Pierce then turned his attention even more directly to Black men, urging them to get behind Harris. “What would make you so fearful of someone who was so beloved of you, who was so loving to you, like your mother and your grandmother and your aunts and your sisters, that you cannot be proud and embolden yourself when you see someone from your community rise up?”
As The Hill reports, Pierce highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s $2 billion restitution to Black farmers affected by USDA discrimination, their investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and efforts toward student loan forgiveness.
“If that’s not enough for you to vote for this campaign, why don’t you go to the other and hold up a sign behind him at a rally and tap dance – that’s what they want,” Pierce said.
Pierce’s comments received pushback from conservative X users.
Conservative commentator Delano Squires reacted to Pierce’s remarks on X, writing, “Can you explain why black men should vote for the party of Pride & abortion, defunding the police & disarming law-abiding citizens, opposing school choice & supporting open borders without identity politics or emotional manipulation? Thx.”
Author Benjamin Watson agreed to Squires adding, “Not sure what he is taking about. Maybe I’m all by myself but good bad or indifferent, I don’t see my mom, grandma, aunt, sisters, wife or daughters when I see VP Harris. I don’t see a black woman. Again, maybe I’m all by myself and that’s ok.”
According to Capital B News, Black men in Georgia are more enthusiastic about voting for Vice President Harris than they were President Joe Biden as indicated by a focus group of Black men organized. The group aimed to gauge Black men’s feelings about Harris.
One of the focus group participants, Lamont “Monte” Evans, 55, said he voted for Trump in 2016. He thought the famous real estate mogul would do more to help minority business owners like him. It’s a decision Evans said he now regrets.
“Donald Trump unearthed a level of racism in this country … that I have never seen,” Evans said.
James Jackson, a 74-year-old Black man, told the Capital B News that he was concerned about Trump either attempting to become a dictator or implementing Project 2025 upon his election.
“I don’t really have a choice. I’m voting for a person I believe is going to lead this country and at least give us an opportunity to readjust and move this democracy forward.” Jackson said.