The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) was not the usual gathering. It was a historic event that stood at the crossroads of progress and unity, addressing key issues like climate change, healthcare reform, reproductive rights and economic equity. With a myriad of groundbreaking speeches to celebrity appearances to performances, the four-night convention gave us what it needed to give and then some.
Whether you’re a true political junkie or a curious observer, these highlights offer a window into the great moments that defined this landmark event.
I always look forward to the DNC. You really get to see who the rising stars and unsung heroes will be. This time, the atmosphere was different because of the unique circumstances. I also loved how the melanin just came forth with the magic.
The first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was a tribute to President Joe Biden’s legacy, as Democrats celebrated his accomplishments and set the stage for the party’s future. In a surprise appearance, Kamala Harris opened with praise for President Biden and his “historic leadership” and struck an optimistic note saying “This November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people we are moving forward with optimism hope and faith.”
United States Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Jasmine Crockett rose to the occasion on the first night. AOC spoke on behalf of the working class, as she spent years waitressing before being elected to the house of representatives.
Jasmine Crockett has become somewhat of a household name this year for her unapologetic presence. She gave us the greatest quote of the night with “Kamala Harris has a resume. Donald Trump has a rap sheet.” This is why we love her.
Hillary Clinton received an epic standing ovation that lasted two minutes. It was rightfully deserved. She spoke hopefully about writing a new chapter and the future being here right now. She evoked the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.
President Biden took the stage with the expectation he would pass the proverbial torch to his Vice President Kamala Harris. Although he spoke confidently, even being the last speaker of the long night, I just don’t feel he fulfilled the assignment. What Biden did achieve was recapping his accomplishments during his administration, and reiterated that his work won’t be done for another five months. He missed the moment to endorse her capability as a leader.
I believe we all anticipated our forever President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama. Michelle didn’t come to play as she wasted no time letting us know that “Hope is making a comeback!”
Throughout her speech, Michelle was direct and candid, particularly when discussing the racism that she and Barack faced during their eight years in the White House — racism that was often fueled by Trump himself. In a moment that resonated deeply with all of us, Michelle delivered a mic drop. “Wait, I want to know: who’s going to tell him that the job he’s seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?” referencing the controversial comment Trump made during a presidential debate on CNN.
The importance of Michelle Obama proudly sporting a protective hairstyle should not be lost on us. Throughout her time as First Lady, she faced increased criticism about her appearance, particularly her hair, which she chose to keep straight to avoid negative reactions. Although her natural hair may not have been accepted by America at that time, she confidently embraced a gloriously braided hairstyle at this year’s convention, disregarding all criticisms.
Our favorite poet Amanda Gorman graced us with her eloquent words, emphasizing the need for unity. Democratic Senate Nominee Angela Alsobrooks, whose victory would make history in her own community, recounted the first time she met Kamala Harris and rallied the crowd.
A poignant moment was had when the members of the “Central Park Five,” (now known as the “Exonerated Five”) addressed the convention on Thursday, in support of Kamala Harris. Yosef Salaam, Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, and Antron McCray were wrongly convicted of rape and assault as teenagers in 1989. The case became a racially charged flashpoint in New York City at the time, intensified in no small part by Donald Trump, who took out full-page ads in several newspapers, including the New York Times, calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty against the boys who were then ages 14 to 16.
On the final night, women delegates wore white to honor suffragists who fought to earn women the right to vote more than 100 years ago; a movement that culminated with white American women securing the right to vote in 1920.
Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the party’s nomination for president of the United States. An historic moment in that she is the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major party’s ticket.
With the weight of this legacy on her shoulders, Harris described the upcoming election as a rare and pivotal opportunity for the nation to “forge a new path ahead.” Starting off, she crafted a personal story designed to connect with individuals from all political backgrounds. She shared her childhood experiences as the daughter of immigrant parents — an Indian mother and a Jamaican father — raised in a humble community in the Bay. This relatable narrative has formed a solid basis for her campaign.
Harris’s rise has brought racist and misogynistic attacks, including from Donald Trump who has minimized her intelligence, mocked her laugh, and falsely suggested that she “happened to turn Black.” Many undecided voters are still unsure about her, expressing concerns that she may be too progressive. Her speech directly addressed those doubts and reinforced her position as a unifying and practical leader.
For the majority of Harris’ first term as vice president, she was burdened with low approval ratings, along with criticism on voting rights and migration at the southern border. Some Democrats didn’t even consider her, as Biden dropped out of the election.
Yet, in the one month since launching her bid for president, Kamala Harris has united the Democratic Party, packed campaign rallies, overtaken Republican nominee Donald Trump in key battleground states and raised over $500 million in campaign funds.
When we say that Black women are magic this is what we mean. It speaks to a revolution and the courage to say we are more than the labels placed on us. In many ways, this year’s Democratic National Convention was as much a jubilant recognition as it was an urgent call to action.
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