Sullivan Anderson 
Hope. Change. Joy. Love. These are all trademarked words that shape Kamala Harris’ campaign, and that energy radiated through the United Center. The 2024 Democratic National Convention was monumental in its own right, and Tuesday, day two, was especially memorable.
That evening’s events started off with various speakers: Bernie Sanders, J.B. Pritzker, Tammy Duckworth, and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. But the highlight of the night was when Michelle and Barack Obama delivered their speeches.
The most beautiful part about the Obamas’ words was that they didn’t hold back. “Who’s gonna tell Donald Trump that the job he’s seeking is one of those Black jobs?” Michelle retorted, using the matter-of-fact auntie tone that we are all familiar with. Knowing that her position as First Lady exposed her to so much criticism, it was moving to see her rise above critics and speak her mind. To see a woman who comes from the same neighborhood as both of my parents speak on the stage was incredible, and it was a reminder to me that Black girls from the South Side of Chicago are really all that!
Barack backed Michelle up with eloquence, opening his speech with charm. “I’m feeling fired up, even if I’m the only person that’s stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama,” he joked.
“Donald Trump wants us to believe that this country is hopelessly divided,” Barack said. “We are ready for a president, Kamala Harris, who is ready for the job. She has spent her life fighting on the behalf of people who need a voice.” Powerful words!
Their speeches were amplified by exciting ambiance: dim arena lighting, glowing lights, democratic propaganda, and a lit DJ (DJ Cassidy) – in other words, it felt like a party! A party full of hope, that is. Diverse people from far and wide gathered to celebrate the newfound stamina behind Kamala Harris.
The strategic marketing plays definitely rubbed off on attendees, who were moved to tears by the energy and Michelle Obama’s words. Okay, maybe it was only me who was crying. The point remains that I had never felt that patriotic in my life, and the hope I felt on Tuesday will remain with me for a lifetime.
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
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