Unity Marks ‘For the People’ Theme on Day One of the Democratic National Convention
By Skyler Winston
Howard University News Service
Long lines, large crowds and stringent security marked the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Yet, amid all the logistical challenges, the most notable takeaway was the passion from the people.
Enthusiastic chants of “We love Joe!” reverberated throughout the United Center, which was filled to its 23,500 capacity, as President Joe Biden delivered the keynote address Monday evening. Biden, who last month dropped out of the 2024 race for president, officially passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris in a late evening speech that closed the day’s events.
Attendees waved signs and listened as he recounted his personal journey and emphasized the values he believes should guide U.S. leadership.
“Hate has no safe harbor,” Biden said. “The job of the president is to deliver to all Americans.”
Earlier in the day, Harris made a surprise entrance that electrified the crowd, making her way onto the stage to Beyoncé’s “Freedom.”
The delegates, energized and engaged, made it clear that they were honored to be part of this historic event. Some delegates wore attire representing their states, while others took a more creative approach.
Shasti Conrad, a delegate from Washington state, sported a flashing cowboy hat and a sash reading “Cowboy Kamala,” a nod to Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album and the hope that the artist will perform on Thursday, the day Harris will be the official Democratic presidential nominee.
“We are wearing Cowboy Kamala merch, and we are celebrating Beyonce and our next president Kamala Harris,” Conrad said. “K-Hive, B-Hive, we are all here.”
Political figures included Ambassador Hillary Clinton, who in 2016 became the first woman nominated for president by a major party. The former First Lady spoke of breaking glass ceilings.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and U.S. Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also addressed the audience on a range of topics, including reproductive freedom, supporting the middle class and the importance of voting for Harris. They were joined by celebrities such as NBA coach Steve Kerr, country singer Mickey Guyton and actor Tony Goldwyn, who portrayed a U.S. president on “Scandal.” And there was a tribute to civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, who ran for president in 1984 and 1988.
Savonnda Blaylock, a California delegate, shared that the convention has been both empowering and informative.
“I’m expecting to hear more empowering and motivating speeches that will guide us over the next three months to ensure we secure a win,” Blaylock said.
Similarly, Vincent Evans, executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, expressed his excitement about the event and the positive atmosphere.
“I’m excited about the fact that we are going to make a historic nomination,” Evans said. “We have the opportunity to come together and unify as a party and talk about the values that are important to us.”.
“We will leave this convention with one voice, one sound, and fan out across America doing all we can to ensure that on the 5th of November, Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz will get elected,” he continued.
The proceedings, which lasted beyond 11 p.m., were exuberant, with the exception of a small disruption near the 109 section of the arena.
A hand-drawn sign stating, “Stop Arming Israel,” caused an audible disruption and a temporary dimming of the lighting in the section. Attendees began chanting in support of the president, while others seated in the section above grabbed the sign. After a few minutes, security escorted at least one individual down the steps and out of the section.
As the opening of the four-day convention concluded, the high energy among delegates and leaders set the stage for the coming days. This momentum will be critical as the event progresses and influences the campaign leading up to the Nov. 5 election.
