On the eve of Election Day, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist made headlines with a surprising declaration: he plans to vote for former President Trump, rejecting Vice President Kamala Harris and calling her a risk to the country.
“Kamala Harris would use anything to her advantage. I definitely would not be supporting Kamala Harris. If she ever got anywhere close to power, it would be a disaster for this country,” said Mark Fisher.
A Shift from Historical Loyalty to the Democratic Party
Fisher’s decision to back Trump over Harris marks a sharp deviation from traditional support for the Democratic Party within the Black community. He believes that for decades, Black Americans have shown unwavering loyalty to the party but received little in return.
“Historically, the Democratic Party has been the party Black people overwhelmingly voted for, yet, never ‘got anything in return,’” Fisher said. He pointed to “abysmal” poverty rates, persistent crime, and failing education systems in Black communities as evidence of this unfulfilled promise.
The activist expressed regret over his vote for President Biden in 2020, acknowledging, “For so long, we’ve just been blindly loyal to the Democrat Party – for no reason.”
Endorsing the GOP for a New Path
Fisher’s shift from “lifelong Democrat” to Trump supporter reflects his belief that the Democratic Party is not aligned with the interests of the Black community. In November 2023, he endorsed the GOP nominee, stating, “The Democratic Party is not for us.”
However, Fisher’s endorsement has been met with criticism. Both the national BLM organization and the BLM Rhode Island PAC distanced themselves from him, dismissing him as an “imposter” activist and labeling his endorsement as a “publicity stunt.”
Fisher clarified his position, stating that he co-founded Black Lives Matter Rhode Island, an entity distinct from the BLM Rhode Island PAC. He emphasized that anyone can start a BLM chapter, but his group, he noted, operates independently from the PAC.
Pushing for Financial Empowerment through BLM INCORPORATED
Beyond his political endorsement, Fisher leads BLM INCORPORATED, a Maryland-based organization aimed at creating educational and financial empowerment opportunities for Black Americans. BLM INCORPORATED recently launched a Black Legacy & Resource Library and Business & Innovation Center, which Fisher described as a “Black Lives Matter educational centerpiece.”
