ATLANTA — Vice President Kamala Harris made another trip to Georgia on Friday. This time, she joined television host Steve Harvey for a conversation at the 100 Black Men of America national conference.
"I wanted to come and speak to 100 Black Men, to this organization, because I know who everyone here is. This is a room full of leaders of every age who can help get the word out about what we have made available," she said. "The essence of this tour is born out of a belief that people need more than just what is what is necessary to get by."
She spoke at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta — known as the "Hotel of Hope" — where Dr. Martin Luther King gave one of his final speeches. She said the venue was a symbolic stop for her economic opportunity tour.
She touted various initiatives from the Biden administration designed to support small businesses, forgive student loans, help first-time home buyers and relieve medical debt.
"When we talk about the need for people to have access to economic opportunity, we have to take into account what holds people back," she said. "We don't lack for hard work, work ethic, good ideas, ambition, aspiration; but there are obstacles built into the system. They have to be addressed to give people the opportunity."
During their conversation, Harvey emphasized how important voter turnout will be in November — particularly among Black community leaders.
"If we don't vote, how we going to ask for something next time? No one's going to give you any reparations if you don't vote," he said. "Please quit tripping. When we get to November, we've got to get to the polls."