At the DNC, viewers get an insight into New York's black culture

Black culture and the black family structure were on full display on the second night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Spectators enjoyed an enthusiastic ceremonial roll call that featured historic leaders such as Rep. Maxine Waters, Gov. Wes Moore, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Nikema Williams dancing to classic hits by artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tupac Shakur, Aretha Franklin and Lil Jon, who appeared in person to sing parts of “Turn Down for What” and “Get Low” while dropping off their respective delegations for Kamala Harris, the incumbent vice president who is now on track to succeed the president.

New York made a strong statement by having filmmaker Spike Lee stand in the front row next to Governor Kathy Hochul and highlight the historic achievements of New York women in his speech.

“We are also not only the birthplace of great progressive movements; we are the birthplace of Shirley Chisholm, we are the birthplace of Geraldine Ferraro, we are the home of Hillary Clinton, and that is why I am so proud as the first female governor of New York to have cast 298 votes to make Kamala Harris the first female president of the United States of America,” Hochul said, further inflaming the already angry crowd.

During that brief history lesson, New York Attorney General and Howard University graduate Letitia James stood by Hochul's side, cheering the decision to endorse Harris as an alumnus. As the celebratory mood faded, a more serious tone took its place as world leaders spoke of the threat posed by another four years in office for former President Donald Trump.

“Kamala has proven her loyalty to this nation not by spewing anger and bitterness, but by living a life of service to others and by continually opening the doors of opportunity for others,” said Michelle Obama, who wore braids down her back. “She understands that most of us will never be given the grace to fail forward. We will never benefit from the positive discrimination of generational wealth. If we bankrupt the company or drown in a crisis, we won't get a second, third or fourth chance.”

Much of her speech focused on the policies being pushed by Trump that would harm Americans.

“It's still his old con: He's putting ugly, misogynistic, racist lies in place of real ideas and solutions that would actually improve people's lives. Look, because if we cut our health care and take away our freedom to control our bodies – the freedom to become a mother through artificial insemination like I did – those things are not going to improve the health of our women, mothers and daughters,” Obama added.

“Why should any of us accept this from someone seeking our highest office? Why should we normalize this kind of backward leadership? It only demeans and waters down our politics.”

A family affair

The DNC provided an opportunity to redefine gender roles among presidential spouses at every level, giving equal weight to the statements of a former first lady and her spouse and putting the spotlight on an aspiring first gentleman from a blended family.

Michelle Obama's husband, 44th US President Barack Obama, stuck to the argument, stressing that the country must stick together to build on the achievements of its vice presidential candidate and current President Joe Biden.

“Now the torch has been passed. Now it's up to all of us to fight for the America we believe in. And make no mistake, it's going to be a fight,” Barack said. “Despite all the incredible energy we've been able to generate over the last few weeks, despite all the rallies and memes, this is still going to be a close race in a country that is deeply divided.”

Most election observers believe the final decision will come down to votes in the five swing states. According to Navigator Research, the vice president is behind in Arizona and Pennsylvania, but tied with Trump in Michigan, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

“And as we gather here tonight, the people who will decide this election are asking a very simple question: Who will fight for me? Who will think about my future, my children's future, our future together?” said Barack Obama. “One thing is certain: Donald Trump will not lose sleep over this question. We do not need [another] four more years of bluster, bungling and chaos. We've seen this movie before, and we all know the sequel is usually worse. America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.”

While the Obamas used the national stage to affirm their belief in Harris' abilities, her husband Doug and stepson Cole Emhoff used the opportunity to highlight her quiet strength.

“We may not look like other families in the White House, but we are ready to represent all families in America,” Cole said of his stepmother before introducing his father.

Emhoff and Harris met on a blind date and married on August 22, 2014. They will celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary on Thursday, while Harris accepts the Democratic nomination for president.

“Wherever she's needed, however she's needed, Kamala rises to the occasion, and that's what she's done for me and my family,” Emhoff said. “And now, when the country needs her, she's showing what we already know: She's ready to lead.”

He praised Harris for her innate empathy, which he said is one of her strengths. “She will lead with joy and toughness, with that laugh and that look, with compassion and conviction,” Emhoff said. “She will lead from the conviction that no matter where we come from or what we look like, we are strongest when we fight for what we believe in, not just against what we fear.”
The theme of Tuesday's program was “A Bold Vision for America's Future.” As Democrats try to convince the nation that Harris' leadership is worthy of a four-year term, Emhoff said he is convinced her infectious smile will usher in a new era of understanding for commanders in chief.

“Kamala is a joyful warrior. She does for her country what she has always done for the people she loves. Her passion will benefit us all when she is our president,” he said.

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