Black women take the reins at this year’s DNC, indicating a new approach to the convention.
For decades, Black women have been influential in Democratic politics behind the scenes, and this year they will take center stage at the DNC.
CHICAGO ‒ With less than three weeks until the Democratic National Convention, Minyon Moore, who is in charge of the party’s key event, was still unsure about Kamala Harris’ choice for a running mate.
It was only a few weeks since Harris was named the presumptive presidential nominee for the party, leading to a flurry of changes in the convention’s plans.
Despite the chaos, Moore was making some adjustments to ensure that Harris’ core values were put on display and that she could connect with American voters. Thousands of delegates, lawmakers, and volunteers were preparing to assemble in Chicago to support her presidential bid.
Since Harris took Biden’s place on the Democratic ticket, there has been a surge of interest in the convention, according to its organizers.
In a significant first, a woman of color is set to be a presidential nominee from a major political party, with Black women occupying key leadership positions at the Democratic convention, the party’s main national gathering.
“We’re seeing these important leadership roles filled by African American women,” said Wendy Smooth, a professor of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies and Political Science at The Ohio State University. “It’s not surprising because they have worked hard and have been essential players.”
“This is not just a fleeting moment,” she emphasized.
For many years, experts like Smooth have noted that Black women have been pivotal in Democratic campaigns, often operating in the background to engage and organize voters of color.
Having Black women in leadership positions for this convention will also mean greater representation of voices from often overlooked groups.
“We definitely want to ensure that America recognizes the diversity within our party and how we are bringing in a new generation,” Moore shared with a small group of reporters in Chicago recently.
She noted that this year’s convention will feature newcomers, older generations, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, more than ever before. The event will also honor civil rights leaders, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, who ran for president in 1984 and 1988. However, the final list of speakers and programming is still being determined by convention officials.
Experts believe this diversity can inspire a wider range of voters.
“Black women have always played a crucial role in the direction of this party, especially now with a Black woman leading the ticket,” said Marcia Fudge, who was the convention chair in 2016 and now co-chairs Harris’ campaign. “This is significant because we share experiences that are essential for navigating this election and convention.”
The leadership of Black women at the convention is ‘truly historic’
Black women activists highlight the legacy of the late civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, who passionately spoke at the Democratic National Convention 60 years ago in Atlantic City. Hamer, a sharecropper from Mississippi, called attention to the all-white delegate issue from her state and the lack of Black representation in the national party.
Her advocacy led the Democratic Party to mandate that conventions include a more diverse group of delegates.
“Fannie Lou Hamer has always been our guiding light,” stated Donna Brazile, a seasoned Democratic strategist and former interim DNC chair. “She was denied a seat. For the past 60 years, we’ve been ensuring that nobody else faces that same denial.”
Glynda Carr, co-founder and president of Higher Heights of America, an organization that supports Black women candidates, expressed her enthusiasm for the visible advancements of Black women in the past decade, including their prominent roles at the convention.
She stated, “The Democratic Party has shifted from a predominately white leadership where Black women worked tirelessly behind the scenes to now having these women lead at the highest levels.”
She noted that Black women have consistently provided crucial support for Democratic victories over the years.
Historically, Black women have shown strong support for Democratic candidates and played a significant role in helping Biden secure the presidency in 2020 and Raphael Warnock retain his Senate position in Georgia in 2022.
“Black women expect a return on our voting investment,” Carr expressed. “This means we want to see leaders who reflect our identities and policies that directly affect Black women, our families, and our communities.”
Black women have a rich history of active engagement in civic duties, from leading voter registration campaigns during the Civil Rights Movement to participating in Reconstruction efforts. However, experts pointed out that they were often not in prominent public roles.
This has shifted in recent times.
Black women now head national civic organizations, civil rights groups, and have established initiatives to fund and train Black female candidates. An increasing number are pursuing elected offices, including the presidency of the United States.
“They declared, ‘No more waiting. I’m going to take the lead. I’m going to step forward, use my voice and be credited for the work I accomplish,’” Smooth remarked. “I will take ownership of my leadership as a Black woman.”
Rev. Leah Daughtry, who is set to give an invocation next week and has previously served as CEO of the convention in 2008 and 2016, indicated that this convention holds personal significance for her and many Black women.
“For us, there’s a heightened sense of urgency and care… Because it’s a Black woman, we are acutely aware of what’s at stake for Black women in this nation,’’ Daughtry explained. “Having a Black woman as a nominee compels us to meticulously check off every detail… We don’t get second chances as Black women. We must be exemplary in our efforts. We are very invested in ensuring that Kamala Harris’s introduction to the public is impeccable and pitch-perfect, which is why we’re focusing intently.”
DNC convention presents ‘an opportunity to nurture new leaders’
Biden has appointed individuals to lead the convention based on trust and their capability to deliver, according to Fudge.
Fudge, who co-chairs the DNC Credentials Committee, stated that Biden chose individuals who have experience in organizing conventions and “who are well-equipped to ensure this is our most successful convention yet.”
Moore, a Chicago native with years of experience in national Democratic politics, has worked on Jackson’s presidential campaign and has held roles as both CEO of the DNC and an advisor to Biden.
Alongside Moore, other notable African American women leading efforts for the convention include Christy George, who serves as the executive director of the host committee and is responsible for fundraising. George previously held the position of first assistant deputy governor for budget and economy in Illinois under Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Keiana Barrett, a senior adviser to the host committee, focuses on procurement and advises on equitable business practices and youth engagement. She has experience working on the communications team for Rainbow Push and the Congressional Black Caucus.
Moore mentioned that she, George, and Barrett “view this convention as a chance to cultivate a new generation of skilled women leaders.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve found myself surrounded by individuals who neither looked like me nor understood my experiences,” Moore stated in a message to YSL News. “Now that Black women are finally in these spaces, we are actively opening doors and ensuring that we uplift the next wave of diverse and talented leaders.”
Other prominent Black women involved include Daughtry, who co-chairs the DNCC Rules Committee and will deliver the committee’s report on Monday.
Brazile, who is part of the credentialing committee, previously managed Al Gore’s presidential campaign in 2000.
Many other Black women hold leadership roles in state caucuses and significant committees, such as Lottie Shackelford, who made history as the first female mayor of Little Rock and now chairs the DNC Women’s Caucus.
“We contribute our unique qualities and the essential ingredients that come with them,” remarked Brazile, who is attending her 11th convention. “We have risen through a process where we have fought to earn a place at the table.”
Daughtry acknowledged that the Democratic party has made progress since Alexis Herman took the helm as CEO of the convention in 1992, highlighting that she and other Black women have been recognized with leadership roles.
According to her, “The party has been open to trusting us during these essential and critical moments that are vital for the party’s progress and success. Of course, there is always room for improvement.”
Fudge, who resigned from her role as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in March, mentioned that while there have been Black women leading the convention in the past, this time feels different.
“Previously, we didn’t receive as much attention because we weren’t in such a crucial and historic time,” she explained. “Now, we’ve reached a point where we have managed all the necessary elements to successfully run a convention.”