As Black voters embrace Harris, disinformation campaigns target them

A coalition of groups issued a warning on Monday about ongoing attempts to target Black voters with disinformation regarding the 2024 election.

“In 2024, an ‘onslaught of disinformation’ has targeted voters of color across the nation, and this may be even more acute for Black voters. Genuine Black voter discontent is creating a fertile environment for distrust and disillusionment to seed and disinformation to spread,” Onyx Impact Coalition, a nonprofit that counters disinformation aimed at Black communities, wrote in its open letter to Black media organizations.

“While Black voters are likely less susceptible to many disinformation narratives given their deserved higher levels of skepticism in institutions and government overall, when disinformation is targeted and comes from messengers with standing in the community, it can be incredibly effective and dangerous,” it continued.

The group also noted the long history of disinformation within the United States meant to minimize the impact of Black voters. And the letter was signed by the groups Advancement Project, Black Male Voter Project, Working Families Party, and Higher Heights.