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Kamala Harris, Democratic presidential nominee, dropped a crypto bomb this week. She rolled out her agenda with a clear aim: to win over Black male voters by promising regulatory moves on digital assets. This is Harris’ boldest crypto move since taking over Biden’s campaign, but it didn’t exactly get all the applause.

Targeting Black Men in Crypto

Harris’ crypto talk didn’t sit the same with everyone, though. She zeroed in on Black men, promising regulatory clarity that would supposedly protect them in the volatile digital asset space. Data shows that Black Americans are more into crypto than their white counterparts. Dr. Ali Emdad, from Morgan State University, says it’s about time someone in politics noticed. “People were waiting for some announcement of support from Kamala Harris to the crypto community,” he said. But, some investors and blockchain enthusiasts aren’t buying it.

Because this message laser-focused on one group, it stirred up plenty of skepticism. Emdad believes Harris is a bit late to the game, but says it’s still necessary. Regulatory clarity could, in theory, foster innovation in Black communities, but that’s assuming the rules will serve the real needs of these communities. It’s a big “if.”

Politics or Genuine Crypto Push?

While some folks praised Harris for finally entering the crypto chat, many crypto players saw this as a political play. Tony Bravado, a co-founder of NFTCLT, said, “I would have believed her two years ago, not during an election year.” To Bravado, the timing felt off, like it was just an electoral move to scoop up votes from a community that’s already into crypto. Harris focusing on Black men, instead of the broader Black community, made it look like she’s aiming at a narrow slice of voters.

Bravado also thinks Harris’ statement adds pressure on an already underserved group. And his partner, Shana Douglass, agrees. She’s worried the message might deepen divides between Black men and women. They both argue for broader policies that lift all marginalized groups in crypto, not just Black men.