Cierra Lemott 
Now that all of the hustle and bustle of the Democratic National Convention is over, it’s time for a well-deserved recap.
I began working for the DNC as a production assistant two weeks before the convention began. Not only was it my first time being at the DNC, it was my first time being a PA as well. If I can help it, it certainly won’t be the last for either of these things. I was very fortunate to be able to be included in such a massive production, especially one in my hometown.
As a PA, I had the opportunity to see the United Center fully before the start of the convention. That was an exciting experience itself. I’ve gone to the United Center for plenty of concerts in the past but never imagined that I would be walking around and being part of the team making these four days happen successfully. My days were long and filled with many tasks and thousands of steps but it was well worth it to see how things came together.
Seeing Vice President Kamala Harris was definitely the highlight of my time at the convention. Of course, I enjoyed everyone else’s speeches, but Harris’ brought about so much positive and infectious energy in the arena.
Event staff passed out posters, signage and American flags to hold up during Harris’ speech. There was a sea of blue signs and cheers coming from every direction. I’d never seen so many people joyous about politics. The reporter in me couldn’t help but to ask questions to those who were in attendance.
Abra Richardson, a recent Columbia College Chicago graduate, attended all four days of the convention. She attended both the Republican National Convention as well as the DNC and is excited about this political season.
“In general, I am on the edge of my seat,” said Richardson. “Anything can happen in 70 days and the debate between Trump and Harris is just around the corner so I need to start my bingo card.”
Richardson added, “The highlight for me is to see the excitement and enthusiasm in politics, especially since Biden stepped aside and endorsed Kamala Harris. The whole nation watched the debate in June and from my eyes, it left either worry or confidence depending on which side people are leaning towards. Since the changes, I feel like I saw a refreshing energy at the DNC that may not have happened if Biden was still in the race.”
Greer Stewart, a senior at Columbia College Chicago, volunteered with the DNC, worked at the United Center and was part of their representation at the Bud Billiken Parade. One of her most memorable moments was getting to hear Barack and Michelle Obama give their speeches.
“It was very encouraging and motivational! Michelle Obama did a really great job of using humor in her speech to motivate the audience and garner my attention,” Stewart said. “There were so many people surrounding me who got emotional during the speeches and afterward. Michelle Obama was my favorite speaker at the event. I loved her humor and how relatable she was when talking about her upbringing in Chicago and the relevance of how hard work and finding relatable content in our lives make us stronger.”
Something Stewart took away from the convention and the energy there was that there are lots of people who are eager to vote and have their voices heard this election.
“There are so many people who are motivated to vote. Different people who find common ground in the people that they influence, the places they live and the experiences they share,” Stewart said. “It really feels like people were more excited about the election compared to how it felt around two months ago.”
When in the arena where Vice President Kamala Harris was giving her acceptance speech, I kept looking at people and telling them “We’re a part of history!” An older Black woman corrected me: “Herstory,” she said.
She wasn’t wrong.
It’s one thing to read about something but another to live through it. I encourage all who are of age to vote this November. Be on the right side of history this election.
By Cierra Lemott, Columbia College Chicago Alumni
Instagram: @cece.kodak / @kodakscamera
X: @LemottCierra
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