Commentary

COMMENTARY: Black Women Stand With Biden

THE AFRO — A new survey from Black Women for America (BWFA) outlines the key issues for this critical voting bloc, and shows that former Vice President Joe Biden has strong support from African-American women. One of the survey’s biggest findings is that the female candidates have yet to break through among this important segment.

Published

7 years ago

September 3, 2019

Oakland Post

Former Vice President Joe Biden

By Special to the Afro

A new survey from Black Women for America (BWFA) outlines the key issues for this critical voting bloc, and shows that former Vice President Joe Biden has strong support from African-American women.

One of the survey’s biggest findings is that the female candidates have yet to break through among this important segment.

“Joe Biden can attribute much of his support from Black women to his association with Barack Obama and the halo effect of our beloved, ‘forever’ President. Not to mention the fact that he is viewed as the candidate who can most likely beat President Trump,” said Sarah Lattimer Irvin, President of BWFA and Metrics Marketing, a creative marketing consultancy that specializes in multicultural audiences, particularly Black women.

“Building a relationship with this important constituency is key, especially when our survey showed that when African-American women do not vote, the number one reason is dislike for the candidates. Candidates trailing Biden can narrow the gap by authentically addressing key issues affecting Black women, their families and their communities.”

Other takeaways from the landmark survey include:

Healthcare coverage is the most important issue among this key group, followed by gun control, and police brutality. Increasing the minimum wage and abortion rights round out the top five issues.

Over 57 percent of respondents do not trust the government to make decisions in their best interests or that of their family and community. Black women are also divided on whether they feel included in the “Me Too” movement or whether the movement only represents White women.

Black Women for America (BWFA) is the political practice of Metrics Marketing, a creative marketing consultancy. Data-led and culturally informed, BWFA helps candidates and political organizations connect with constituents by crafting key strategies and messaging that resonates with Black women, their families and their communities.

Metrics Marketing, Inc. strategically merges information, interpretation, innovation and implementation to forge relationships between brands and multicultural consumers, particularly Black women, that drive results. Having developed successful programs for Fortune 500 companies, as well as local businesses, it is one of the few female and minority-owned agencies in the South with a breadth of national and regional brand experience. For more information about Metrics Marketing, please visit www.metricsmktg.com. Follow @metricsmktginc on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Afro-American Newspapers.

This article originally appeared in The Afro.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 18 – 24, 2026

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Rising Optimism Among Small And Middle Market Business Leaders Suggests Growth for California

“Business leaders across the Pacific region continue to demonstrate a unique blend of resilience and forward-thinking, even in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty,” said Brennon Crist, Managing Director and Head of the Pacific Segment, Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Their commitment to innovation and growth is evident in the way they adapt to challenges and seize new opportunities. It’s this spirit that keeps our region at the forefront of business leadership and progress. We look forward to helping our clients navigate all that’s ahead in 2026.”

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2 weeks ago

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Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Business optimism is returning for small and midsize business leaders at the start of 2026, fueling confidence and growth plans.

The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey, released in January by JPMorganChase reveals a turnaround from last June, when economic headwinds and uncertainty about shifting policies and tariffs caused some leaders to put their business plans on hold.

Midsize companies, who often find themselves more exposed to geopolitical shifts and policy changes, experienced a significant dip in business and economic confidence in June of 2025. As they have become more comfortable with the complexities of today’s environment, we are seeing optimism rebounding in the middle market nationwide – an encouraging sign for growth, hiring, and innovation. Small businesses, meanwhile, maintained steady optimism throughout 2025, but they aren’t shielded from domestic concerns. Many cited inflation and wage pressures as the top challenges for 2026 and are taking steps to ensure their businesses are prepared for what’s ahead.

Overall, both small and midsize business leaders are feeling more confident to pursue growth opportunities, embrace emerging technologies and, in some cases, forge new strategic partnerships. That bodes well for entrepreneurs in California. Here are a few other key findings from the Business Leaders Outlook about trends expected to drive activity this year:

Inflation remains the top concern for small business owners. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, many anticipated a favorable business environment. By June 2025, however, that feeling shifted amid concerns about political dynamics, tariffs, evolving regulations and global economic headwinds.
Going into 2026, 37% of respondents cited inflation as their top concern. Rising taxes came in second at 27% and the impact of tariffs was third at 22%. Other concerns included managing cash flow, hiring and labor costs.

For middle market leaders, uncertainty remains an issue. Almost half (49%) of all midsize business leaders surveyed cited “economic uncertainty” as their top concern – even with an improved outlook from a few months ago. Revenue and sales growth was second at 33%, while tariffs and labor both were third at 31%.
And tariffs are impacting businesses costs. Sixty-one percent of midsize business leaders said tariffs have had a negative impact on the cost of doing business.
Despite challenges, leaders are bullish on their own enterprises. Though the overall outlook is mixed, 74% of small business owners and 71% of middle market companies are optimistic about their company’s prospects for 2026.
Adaption is the theme. For small business owners surveyed across the U.S., responding to continuing pressures is important in 2026. Building cash reserves (47%), renegotiating supplier terms (36%) and ramping up investments in marketing and technology are among the top priorities.
Big plans are on the horizon. A majority midsized company leaders expect revenue growth this year, and nearly three out of five of (58%) plan to introduce new products or services in the coming year, while 53% look to expand into new domestic and/or international markets. Forty-nine percentsay they’re pursuing strategic partnerships or investments.

The bottom line

Rebounding optimism among U.S. business leaders at the start of the year is setting the stage for an active 2026. With business leaders looking to implement ambitious growth plans that position themselves for the future, momentum in California could be beneficial for leaders looking to launch, grow or scale their business this year.