Attending the 2024 Democratic National Convention as a first-time delegate was a profound and transformative experience.
Being immersed in such a significant event, where history was both remembered and made, exceeded my expectations. The convention was not just an assembly of political minds but a celebration of hope, progress, and the power of collective voices.
Walking into the convention hall, I had to pinch myself to believe I was truly present at this historic moment. The atmosphere was electrifying, charged with the energy of thousands who, like me, were eager to contribute to the shaping of our nation’s future.
The theme, Our Voices-Our Values-Our Vote, encapsulated the spirit of the event. I was proud to be part of a convention chaired by Jaime Harrison, the first Black man to lead such an event, and to participate in the Democratic Black Caucus, chaired by the trailblazing Virgie M. Rollins.
The highlight for me was witnessing Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the nomination to become the Democratic candidate for President of the United States.
This moment was more than symbolic; it was a powerful statement to our children and future generations that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
As Harris stood on that stage, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and hope for the future.
The convention was filled with moments that I will carry with me forever. From the powerful speeches of John Legend and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who spoke of the resurgence of hope, to the inspiring words of poet Langston Hughes echoed throughout the Black Caucus presentations, the message was clear: we are moving forward with determination and purpose.
One of the most significant takeaways was the importance of grassroots efforts in this election.
We were reminded that our role as delegates and as citizens is to ensure that every voice is heard, every vote is cast, and every ballot is protected. The responsibility we carry is not just for ourselves but for our entire community.
Now that I’m back home, the work continues. The convention has energized me to take action in our community.
We plan to launch a comprehensive voter education campaign to ensure that everyone understands the issues at stake, especially how Project 2025 could impact our lives. Our focus will be on voter registration, mobilization, and protection at the polls. We aim to work closely with local leaders to develop strategies to increase voter turnout, particularly in the Black community in Southeast Missouri.
Our efforts will include door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and providing accurate information about the voting process.
We will also ensure that voters are aware of their rights and have the proper identification to cast their ballots without fear or retribution.
One of the most inspiring slogans from the convention was from Democratic candidate Kay Collier, who hails from Kennett in Southeast Missouri: “Turn Missouri Blue from the Bootheel up.”
As a member of the Missouri delegation, I can affirm that there are indeed plans to bring this campaign to Southeast Missouri. We will work tirelessly to ensure that this region, often overlooked in political strategies, becomes a pivotal part of turning the state blue.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to God, my St. James AME Church family, my family, the Cape Girardeau County Democratic Party, the Missouri 8th Congressional District Democratic Party, and my community.
Your support and confidence made it possible for me to serve as a delegate to this convention.
It was an honor and a privilege to represent you.
As we move forward, let us remember that we are living at the intersection of joy and justice. Our votes are our voices, and they matter.
Together, we can turn the tide and ensure that our future is brighter than our past. Let us not disappoint the future by clinging to the past. Now is the time to register, educate, mobilize, and protect our community’s votes. November 5th is our day—let’s make it count.
