Though the Democratic National Convention wrapped Aug. 22 after nearly a week of speeches and fundraising events, local participants hope that its positive effects will be long-term.
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of staying engaged, staying together and always seeing the bigger picture,” said La Shawn Ford, who represents the 8th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. “I’m looking forward to bringing this renewed sense of purpose and optimism back to my constituents, encouraging them to stay involved and continue pushing for Vice President Harris to become the next president for all Americans.”
Said Ald. Emma Mitts of the 37th Ward, “The wisdom that I took from the DNC was that anything is possible. A woman of color becoming the president of the United States was something we never thought to be possible. I’m so proud to not only be witnessing history being made, but it brings me great joy to be a part of it.”
Both Ford and Mitts were at the United Center on Thursday when Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the presidential nomination for the Democratic Party, the final speech of the convention.
Mitts said Harris’ speech was inspirational in its entirety, especially when she spoke about her relationship with her mother, who died from colon cancer in 2009.
“She encouraged them to never complain about injustices, but instead to ‘do something,’” Mitts said of the advice that Harris’ mother gave Harris and her sister. “Thinking back on my days growing up in the South, witnessing injustices to the present, if I didn’t ‘do something,’ I wouldn’t have set out to be elected alderman of the 37th Ward, where I have fought injustices for over 25 years.”
Ford said watching Harris’ speech from the United Center floor was “an honor of a lifetime.”
“She displayed unwavering strength, compassion and joy, offering a vision of hope for the future of our country,” Ford said of Harris. “Her leadership inspires confidence, and I’m excited to stand behind her as we move toward a brighter, more inclusive America.”
Ford’s other highlights from the DNC included remarks from the Central Park Five, four of whom appeared on the United Center stage for the DNC’s final night. The men were charged with the assault and rape of a woman jogging through the New York City park in 1989, but were exonerated in 2002 after another man confessed to the crime, which DNA evidence confirmed. At the time, Donald Trump took out a full-page newspaper ad calling for their executions.
“It was a powerful moment that highlighted the importance of criminal justice reform and the need for systemic change,” Ford said of the group’s appearance.
Mitts said she was particularly inspired by Michelle Obama’s speech on the second night of the DNC, and how she highlighted Harris’ strength and accomplishments.
“It was also inspiring to see Democrats come together from every state to support this history-making moment,” Mitts said. “I was also proud of the great City of Chicago. There were many negative expectations, but I’m proud to say we represented our city well.”
Ford agreed, giving a special nod to convention organizers, paid workers, volunteers, law enforcement officers and others who made the event safe and enjoyable.
Though both Ford and Mitts deem the DNC a success, Ford said he hopes the impact continues.
“We must build on this convention’s positive momentum,” Ford said. “I experienced firsthand the clean streets, efficient transportation and unprecedented kindness from law enforcement, unlike anything I’ve ever seen in Chicago. This level of care and pride should be reserved for more than just a convention. We cannot go back to the way things were.”
Ford added “The DNC was a testament to what Chicago can achieve when we come together, and the success of this convention is something we should strive to maintain every day in our city. Now is the time to ensure that this energy drives us forward into a better future for all.”
Ford stressed that there’s still work to be done before the general election in November.
“Republicans and Democrats have chosen their candidates, and now the election turns to our communities, where every vote matters,” Ford said. “We must carry the message forward and do the work necessary to elect our presidential candidate.”