What Black business leaders are thinking about the upcoming Trump administration.

• Vice President Kamala Harris's loss in the presidential race remains a mystery to Black business leaders.
• Some are preparing for a potential second Trump administration and considering their next steps.
• Angelina Darrisaw suggests that instead of turning a situation into a crisis, the business should focus on up-skilling and improving services.

Vice President Kamala Harris's loss in the presidential race has left black business leaders perplexed, and they are struggling to determine the best course of action for the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

According to Charles Phillips, co-chair of the Black Economic Alliance and co-founder of Recognize, the voters' desire for change was reflected in their choice of President Trump, as they believed he represented that change.

In an interview with CNBC, Trump stated that his win was due to people's exhaustion with cultural conflicts and their greater focus on economic and kitchen table issues.

Trump's economic policies were a significant factor in winning over Black voters in crucial battleground states such as North Carolina and Wisconsin, as reported by NBC News.

Ryan Wilson, CEO of the Gathering Spot, believes that Harris' loss was primarily due to her race and gender.

Wilson stated to CNBC that the only way to have the discussion is by referencing America's historical adversaries, racism and sexism, and that it is necessary to continue fighting against them.

Some Black business leaders utilized social media to express their reactions to the election outcome.

Morgan Debaun, co-founder of Blavity, expressed her concerns for women and minority-owned businesses in a recent article on X. She warned that the upcoming political climate could put DE & I funds, which were specifically allocated for Black and women-owned businesses, at risk.

The dramatic shift from the emphatic support for Harris and the possibilities of her administration that were being expressed online in the days before the election was palpable.

Alphonso David, CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, expressed disappointment in the election results but was encouraged by the high voter turnout among Black people.

"We, the advocates for economic equality, will continue to do the hard work to ensure a nation reflects its written principles of fairness, justice, and equality," David said to CNBC.

Some Black business leaders view Trump's re-election as an opportunity.

On Thursday, the National Alliance for Black Businesses announced that it has rallied 100 Black organizations to back the president-elect's economic plan.

According to Dr. Kenneth Harris, CEO of National Business League, a member of NABB, Trump has a successful track record of working with and supporting Black business owners based on previous experience. Harris stated that the NABB is non-partisan but cited "momentum" under the first Trump administration.

"We were successful in federal contracting opportunities and collaborated closely with the Small Business Administration and the White House to support Black businesses."

John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation Hope, is emphasizing the importance of economics over emotions in the Black business community.

"Social justice must be viewed through an economic lens," Bryant stated to CNBC.

"The color is now green. It's really, really green. It's not black, white, red, or blue."

Angelina Darrisaw, CEO of C-Suite Coach, intends to provide her clients with guidance.

"Focusing on up-skilling and improving services will not make this a crisis. Although fear is present, it won't move us forward."