Every four years during a presidential election, constituents on both sides of the aisle have meaningless debates about candidates running for office. Everyone has an opinion, including our favorite celebrities.
Some endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, while others stood by President-elect Donald Trump.
For many of us, it’s hard not to notice when a celebrity we admire takes a political stance. But here’s the truth your vote is way too important to let a celebrity influence your decision.
Let’s be real. We live in a world where entertainers and influencers hold a lot of power. They can sway public opinion with a single post or endorsement. Big names like Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland came out to support Kamala Harris, while some figures like Lil Wayne, Kodak Black and even UFC star Kamaru Usman threw their weight behind Trump. Then there was the flip-flopping—like when rapper Sexyy Red voiced her support for Trump before changing her tune to Harris.
But should that change how you vote? Absolutely not. Your vote should be based on what’s best for you, your family, and your community—not on what your favorite rapper or athlete is doing.
Let’s take Trump, for example. In 2023, Trump was hit with 34 felony counts for falsifying business records in New York. He’s been dealing with multiple legal issues, including being found guilty in a hush money trial. But despite all this, Trump’s star power still shines, partly because of his celebrity status from his reality TV days on The Apprentice. He’s used that fame to his advantage, turning what should be serious political discussions into just another episode of a reality show.
Meanwhile, Harris has her star power thanks to her historic run. If she had won, she would have been the first Black woman, the first woman of South Asian descent and the first woman of any race to become President. With celebrities like Beyoncé rallying behind her, it felt like an endorsement from someone you look up to is a stamp of approval on a candidate. But the truth is, whether it was Trump’s star-studded backers or Harris’ celebrity supporters, their opinions shouldn’t have replaced the work you must do for yourself.
For instance, student debt relief was a huge issue for many young Black voters, especially after Biden’s plan to forgive a wider net of student loans was shot down. But do you think these celebrities were losing sleep over student loan payments? Probably not. They might have been vocal about it, but they weren’t dealing with the daily struggles of working-class families trying to make ends meet.
At the end of the day, this election, or any going forward, isn’t about celebrities. It’s about you. Your vote is your voice, and it’s your chance to speak up for the issues that matter most to you. Think about what you want changed: police reform, better job opportunities, affordable housing, climate change, healthcare—you name it. These are the issues that directly affect us as Black people, and the next president needs to have a plan to address them.
So, before you let celebrity endorsements sway you, take a step back and consider what’s at stake. This is about real-life issues that impact you, your family and your community. Do the research, look at the candidates’ policies, and make a decision that’s in your best interest. Celebrities might have their opinions, but they’re not living your life.
You’re the one who has to live with the consequences of this election. Celebrities have their own platforms, but your vote is about making sure your and your community’s needs are heard.
