ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Cherita Evans, known as “Storm the Barber,” is shedding light on significant concerns regarding voter sentiment as the campaigns heat up in the lead-up to the elections. While many women in her community support Vice President Harris, Evans notes a hesitancy among male voters. “I think a lot of men aren’t ready to vote for a woman,” she remarked during a discussion at the Head Changerz Barber Lounge.
Evans highlighted a broader issue, explaining that in her community, some men won’t accept female leadership even in church settings. This is a challenge the Harris campaign needs to confront head-on as early voting begins in critical states where every vote is crucial. Recent polls suggest that former President Donald Trump may be gaining traction with Black male voters, which could impact turnout.
As part of her outreach efforts, Harris is scheduled to engage directly with voters in swing states through a town hall moderated by an influential radio host known for candid discussions with Democrats.
This sentiment was echoed by former President Barack Obama, who recently pointed out that enthusiasm and turnout for Harris among Black voters, particularly men, differs from when he was campaigning.
Strategies to Engage Black Male Voters
The Harris campaign is actively working to connect with Black male voters through various initiatives including hosting tailgate events at historically Black college homecomings. Kamala Harris has also started discussions about her personal identity, aiming to resonate more with key voter demographics.
This weekend, she plans to meet with local Black leaders in North Carolina, attending a church service and holding a rally in Greenville, a city with a significant Black population that has seen lower voter turnout in recent elections.
Previously, Evans expressed her mixed feelings about the election, admitting her disappointment in Harris for retreating from the public eye after becoming vice president. “After she became vice president, it seemed like she just kind of got quiet,” Evans shared.
Although Evans indicated her intention to vote for Harris, she remains concerned about pressing issues that have not been adequately addressed, including high gas prices and grocery costs. She remains skeptical of the solutions presented by Harris in campaign advertisements.
Generational Divide in Voting Trends
In past conversations, Evans has cut the hair of young voters like Christian Pounds, a 22-year-old college student who initially expressed disinterest in voting. Now, he plans to participate in the upcoming elections, highlighting a generational divide in attitudes toward voting.
Other community members, like barber Mike Harris from the neighboring community of Wilson, express hope for Harris to become the first female president but also acknowledge differing views among clients and friends. “Some people don’t believe in female leaders, but I tell them all the time… women can do the job,” he asserted.
