The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is always a highly anticipated event, and as night four opened at Chicago’s United Center, attendees were in for a surprise. Each seat was adorned with a wristband light featuring the DNC 2024 logo, sparking speculation among guests about its purpose. Would the crowd create a constellation of lights during Kamala Harris’ culminating speech, forming her visage or the Harris/Walz logo? With whispers circulating about a gap in the programming and Oprah Winfrey’s surprise appearance still fresh in their minds, anticipation was high for what the night would bring.
As the evening progressed, it became evident that the women delegates present were wearing white to honor women’s suffrage on the night of Harris’ acceptance of the Democrats’ nomination. The atmosphere was celebratory as they danced to the beats of Chicago native DJ Metro during breaks, who also played popular tracks like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
The star-studded lineup for the night included celebrities like Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington, and D.L. Hughley, alongside prominent Democratic figures such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The first Hollywood celebrity to make an appearance was Morgan Freeman, who lent his iconic voice to narrate one of Harris’ new ads, setting the tone for the evening.
Speakers at the United Center included California Sen. Alex Padilla, who shared a similar background with Harris as the child of migrant families who rose to political prominence. Padilla’s impassioned call to defend the dream resonated with the crowd, setting the stage for other powerful speeches to follow.
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin shared her personal story, highlighting the importance of social security and Medicare for families like hers and emphasizing the Democrats’ commitment to protecting these programs. Al Sharpton took the stage to introduce The Exonerated 5, formerly known as the Central Park Five, who shared their harrowing experience of being wrongfully accused and imprisoned, calling for unity and change in the upcoming election.
The emotional speeches from The Exonerated 5 served as a powerful reminder of the importance of using one’s voice and vote to bring about positive change. As the night drew to a close, the energy in the United Center was palpable, with attendees eagerly awaiting Harris’ speech and the culmination of the DNC. The event was a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and the collective voice of the American people in shaping the future of the nation.
