CHICAGO – Day three of the Democratic National Convention began with the daily briefings and meetings of different caucuses that are par for the course during this national quad-annual affair. One of those caucuses was the DNC Black Caucus, the theme for the morning was “Our Voices”.
“Donald Trump’s party is a party of fear, we are the party of hope,” said DNC Chair Jamie Harrison that morning. “Only in America do you get a Black man and Black women to convene a convention and nominate a Black woman to be president.”
A number of speakers were scheduled to address the dozens of attendees during the hour-and-a-half meeting. The speakers ranged from singers to politicians, including DNC Chair Jamie Harrison, who had been seen on stage or in the crowd during the first two nights of the convention.
Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter John Legend, who performed alongside rapper Common at a DNC party the night before, took the stage on Wednesday morning. He said he was there to be an advocate for voters.
“I’m here because as citizens it’s our duty to vote,” Legend said, who added that it was a responsibility of his to use his platform to advocate for change and build a fair and inclusive society.
Legend referenced former United States First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech from Tuesday night, saying “Hope has made a comeback.” Legend gave a 15-minute speech and was equally complimentary of the work the Black Caucus is doing with registering voters, informing voters, and supporting the Harris/Walz ticket.
“The Wire,” “Jack Ryan,” and “Elsbeth” actor Wendell Pierce also dropped by to speak to the crowd. “I’m an actor, but today I am here as a voter, and more importantly a Black man,” said Pierce.
Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II made an appearance during the meeting as well. The first Black Lt. Governor in the history of the state, a crucial battleground state this election season, Gilchirst reflected on the promise of America: The American dream.
“America’s promise belongs to us too,” Gilchirst said. “A promise was made to Black folks like everybody else. What we have learned is that sometimes you have to take your promises.”
The first Black Mayor of Cincinnati Mark Mallory (2005-2013), a panelist that morning, said we can’t approach this election the same way we have in the past, even during the Obama era.
The images that surround this election are similar to the ones that surrounded the Obama era, however. Copies of the latest ESSENCE magazine, a 50-year-old Black-owned publication that was started in Chicago, were distributed to attendees that morning. The cover subject was Vice President Kamala Harris and the tagline read: Purpose, Power, and Freedom.
The Black Caucus began holding meetings on Sunday, a day before the DNC Convention began. The daily themes have reflected the goals of the Harris/Walz ticket.
