For the world, the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) was a nationwide gathering featuring current and former politicians, celebrities and influencers delivering several speeches that emphasized bringing back “joy” to the United States. However, for those from the DMV, the national gathering was also a moment for local leaders to go to Chicago for information and inspiration, so that they’re able to mobilize the people back home.
“I am here because of the energy and joy and I want to make sure that we help Kamala Harris become the 47th president of the United States,” said Sheila Bunn, chief of staff for D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), a member of the D.C. Democratic Party, and third vice president of the Ward 8 Democrats, on the last night of the DNC. “It is important that people [in the Black community] understand why it’s important to not just vote, but to bring a friend, a family member and their family member to the polls.”
Bunn emphasized why voting is not something to take lightly, particularly in 2024.
“We have to come out and vote like our lives depend on it because they actually do. We can’t go back, it’s time to move forward, with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” she told The Informer.
From events before the DNC officially kicked off to post-convention parties, DMV residents and leaders played critical roles in the week’s programming, participated in major activities, and were eager to share what they’ve gained since doing so with their communities.
The Rev. Zina Pierre, a Maryland minister and former special assistant in the Clinton Administration, presided over a pre-convention worship service on Sunday, Aug. 18 entitled, “Our Values, Our Voice and Our Vote.”
“Putting God first is the strength of anything we do,” Pierre said.
As she works to encourage people to the polls through her role as a faith leader, Pierre noted that mobilizing voters is different than in years past because “many churches today are not in brick and mortar,” spaces.
The Rev. Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope A.M.E, in Temple Hills, Maryland, attended the Chicago DNC, as a board member of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.
He visited with pro-Palestinian protestors in Chicago, noting their voices are equally as important as those speaking at the convention.
The local pastor emphasized he appreciated being able to connect with others and witness history.
“For me, I was in Denver when Obama accepted the nomination,” Lee said. “It is just a blessing to be part of history. Under Obama, you heard people say ‘We never thought that it would happen in our lifetime.’ This is another ‘in our lifetime’ kind of moment.”
Bunn reflected on the importance of Harris’ nomination and what it could mean for others if she were to win the election.
“I have a 14-year-old daughter and I am so excited about the possibility of her seeing the first woman, the first Black and [South] Asian woman, becoming the president of the United States,” Bunn told The Informer.
She offered ways DMV residents can help Harris secure the presidency.
“The call-to-action is to actually go out to battleground states and help knock on doors, to phone banks, to texts, to write letters to those undecided, to help them understand why they are so important to helping Kamala Harris become the 47th president,” Bunn told The Informer. “We can’t sit home. There’s too much on the line. Women’s reproductive rights, civil liberties, LGBTQ rights, housing, Medicare, health care.”
Bunn also had a particular message for African American voters, recalling former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, referring to immigrants taking “Black jobs.”
“We cannot sit. We have to get out there and do our Black job and vote,” she said.