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AAs the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaches, voters need to understand its meaning and impact. The DNC is more than just a political event—it is a defining moment when the Democratic Party lays out its vision for the country and officially nominates its candidate for president and vice president.
More: How Kamala Harris’ candidacy is inspiring young black voters in Texas
Next week’s convention in Chicago sets the tone for the general election and provides a platform for party leaders and delegates to discuss and shape the party’s policies and priorities. By tuning in, you’ll gain insight into the party’s agenda, hear key speakers and understand the issues shaping the election.
Working with the DNC helps voters make informed decisions and understand the direction the party wants to take the country.
Here are some things black voters should know before the DNC.
What happens at the DNC?
The week-long convention is widely covered by the media, shapes public perceptions, and sets the stage for the general election. It provides the Democratic Party with a platform to engage with a broad audience through speeches, interviews, and promotional activities.
During the convention, delegates officially nominate the Democratic presidential candidate by vote of each state’s representatives. However, Vice President Kamala Harris has already secured the nomination with 99% of delegates’ support in a virtual vote, just six days after President Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her.
In the evening, speeches will be televised from the United Center in Chicago, while meetings and official Democratic business will be conducted at McCormick Place downtown.
Who will we hear from?
The full list of speakers is still being finalized, but we can confirm that President Joe Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be keynote speakers at the convention.
In addition, Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, has been confirmed to speak on behalf of his grandfather. In addition to these elected officials, the nominees’ spouses and other family members often appear or give speeches. In addition, ordinary Americans are often allowed to tell their personal stories and highlight the issues and policies the nominee wants to highlight.
What will we learn?
Delegates will debate and vote on the party platform, which lays out the party’s policies, principles and priorities for the upcoming election. Harris has been outspoken about her focus on wealth creation, racial equality and improving access to capital. Specifically, her priorities include strengthening the middle class, cutting costs, protecting reproductive rights, canceling student loan debt, reducing U.S. climate pollution and processing asylum claims to regulate U.S.-Mexico border crossings. Although she has softened her previous stance on “cutting police funding,” she wants to be “tough and smart” on crime.
Core topics We Should focus on
Cost of living and inflation: Inflation raises prices, requiring more money to buy the same items. This can make it even harder for Black Americans to afford basic necessities like housing and food, widening the wealth gap due to their lower incomes and higher costs.
Women’s reproductive rights: Women’s reproductive rights include making decisions about pregnancy and family planning, such as whether to have a child. Access to these rights is critical for Black Americans because it allows them to make decisions about their health and future. However, historically, they have faced more barriers to accessing this care. Reducing these barriers can improve their overall well-being and opportunities.
Criminal justice, policing and other racist issues: Black Americans may be treated unfairly by police and the justice system, such as being stopped more often or punished more harshly. This can lead to fewer opportunities and increased stress in their lives. Fair rules and equal treatment give everyone a better chance to succeed.
Project 2025: It is a plan to change the way government and the legal system work in the United States. Project 2025 could impact Black people by changing voting rights, potentially making it harder for them to cast their ballots. It could also impact criminal justice policies and social programs, which could lead to further challenges in areas such as law enforcement, health care, and education. The exact impact will depend on how the plan is implemented.
Engagement of youth and black voters: The Democratic Party could increase engagement among young and black voters by talking about the issues that matter most to these groups, such as education and job opportunities. It could also make voting easier by organizing more events in communities and schools and using social media to connect with young people. This way, more people feel included and motivated to vote.
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