Topcuttaz Barbershop owner Mike Stephens, 58, cuts the hair of Jefferson Noel, 31, center, founder of “Barbershop Speaks.” Ruban Roberts, 57, left, and Paul V. Wilson Jr., right, are deep in conversation at Topcuttaz in Miami Gardens. Six Black men – educators, community advocates, activists, and entrepreneurs – gathered at the barbershop to talk about the conditions of Black people in South Florida, a year after the election, and the impact of the first nine months of Trump’s administration.
cjuste@miamiherald.com
Black men in South Florida have something to say.
Last year, many Black men were feeling as if fingers were being pointed at them if Kamala Harris lost the election. I took the time to speak with some of those Black men about how they were feeling scapegoated and how they felt about her policies.
What I learned was that many of them not only planned to vote for Harris (and did), but forewarned of the dire straights we’re seeing in Black communities as a result of Trump policies.
So, I circled the block, and spoke to some of these same men, all of whom voted for Kamala Harris, about what they’re seeing in the wake of Trump-era policies and their effects on Black communities. They said they know more than a few people who are having “buyer’s remorse” about voting for Trump, but they also suggested tangibles that would strengthen the Black community.
Read the full story to understand these men’s thoughts.
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Need to know:
Miami election results: What did voters decide on lifetime term limits and more?
Miami mayor’s race is headed to a runoff
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INSIDE THE 305:
South Florida Black men on life in the Trump era
Black men spoke to the Miami Herald about the ramifications Black communities are experiencing as a result of his policies. They also spoke about what Black people could do to mobilize.
Activist behind lawsuit against Trump library warns of impact to Miami’s Overtown
Former professor and historian Marvin Dunn held a “teach-in” to discuss the Overtown community’s history as Donald Trump spoke at a forum at nearby Kaseya Center. Dunn is currently locked in a legal fight with Miami Dade College over the future of a 2.6-acre parcel beside the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami — land eyed for a potential Trump presidential library.
Train conductor haunted by Brightline deaths
Darren Brown, a former conductor with Brightline, talked about the plethora of deaths along the train tracks, and how the accidents have affected him.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Mary Sheffield elected Detroit’s next mayor, will make history as first woman to lead city
Sheffield became the first woman mayor in Detroit’s 324-history, garnering 77% of the vote.
The biopic of late entertainer Michael Jackson’s story is set to hit theaters next year. The film, “Michael,” is set for release April 24, and will include his life from youth to death. This isn’t the first time the King of Pop’s life story has played out on screen, as some of us may remember the television miniseries on his family, “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” and that other one. But this one looks promising as it’s directed by Antoine Fuqua, whose work includes “Training Day.” Watch the trailer here.
Where does “The 44 Percent” name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter’s title.
This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 4:52 PM.
