The final night of the Democratic National Convention started with a tone of hope of where we could be a year from now and ended with a call to action so we don’t remain shackled to Trump’s dangerous policies. Although immigration policy was not the theme of the night, several speakers mentioned our rich history of immigration in their speeches and the need to abandon Donald Trump’s xenophobic and racist rhetoric in order to move forward.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms spoke about the civil rights movement and how everyone has a unique role to play as we move toward a more equal society. This was followed by a beautiful tribute to Representative John Lewis, a longtime civil rights activist who marched with Martin Luther King Junior and was a powerful force in the United States Congress until he passed away earlier this year.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms: “People often think they can't make a difference like our Civil Rights icons, but every person in the movement mattered—those who made the sandwiches, swept the church floors, stuffed the envelopes. They, too, changed America.” #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/INHfz8tHHL
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 21, 2020
The John Lewis Voting Rights Act will ensure every voice is heard and every voice is counted.
If Senate Republicans don’t act, it will be one of the first things @JoeBiden does as president.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 21, 2020
This year we lost a true American hero. We remember Congressman John Lewis – and dedicate ourselves to forming a more perfect union.#DemConvention pic.twitter.com/We7ABwmjuT
— 2024 Democratic National Convention (@DemConvention) August 21, 2020
GLORY!! Thank you again to the @DemConvention. @common and I were thrilled to honor Founding Father John Lewis tonight. https://t.co/yYEbL8TSY8
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 21, 2020
Representative Debra Haaland from New Mexico gave a heartfelt speech about her heritage as a Native American woman and the diverse history of the United States. She also looked to the future and encouraged everyone to vote, stating “[w]hether your ancestors have been here for hundreds of years or you’re a new citizen know this: whether we vote, and how we vote will determine if our nation’s promise.”
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms: “People often think they can't make a difference like our Civil Rights icons, but every person in the movement mattered—those who made the sandwiches, swept the church floors, stuffed the envelopes. They, too, changed America.” #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/INHfz8tHHL
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 21, 2020
New Mexico Rep. Debra Haaland of New Mexico, who is a native American, just told us she is a "35th generation American." Hearing her state that was breathtaking, taking in the sweep of time and history on this land we call the United States.#DemConvention
— Montclair Democrats (@MontclairDems) August 21, 2020
"Voting is sacred." – New Mexico Rep. Debra Haaland @Deb4CongressNM #Vote #BidenHarris #vote4OurLives
— Kate Manning (@KateManning10) August 21, 2020
Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, gave a speech as a medical doctor during the pandemic but also told a heartwarming story of Vice President Joe Biden meeting his family who are mostly immigrants. According to Murthy, Biden thanked his grandmother for “choosing” America as her home.
Vivek Murthy: "Six years ago, when Joe Biden met my family, many of them immigrants … I saw how he kneeled beside my grandmother's wheelchair, took her hands in his, and said, 'Thank you for choosing us, the United States of America, as the place to trust with your family.'" pic.twitter.com/dRuY9sJoxM
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 21, 2020
Kind of in awe following @vivek_murthy’s story about @JoeBiden and what he said to Murty’s grandmother in her wheelchair: “Thank you for choosing us and trusting us with your family.” Can you imagine what a 180 on #Immigration we could see with that attitude? #DemConvention
— Ilene Prusher (@IlenePrusher) August 21, 2020
Right now you are listening to @vivek_murthy — a real medical doctor who advises VP Biden, because Biden listens to and empowers experts.
We are so grateful to have Dr. Murthy on Team Joe!
— Stefanie Feldman (@StefFeldman) August 21, 2020
Finally, Vice President Joe Biden gave an exceptional speech about coming together to defeat the pandemic and how Donald Trump has fallen short during these times, explaining that Black, Latino, and Native American communities are “bearing the brunt” of Trump’s incompetence. He also mentioned the need for vast immigration reform and promised to pay our essential workers wages that reflect their important work.
.@JoeBiden: "With an immigration system that powers our economy and reflects our values." #DemocraticConvention #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/YK69OUZrag
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 21, 2020
.@JoeBiden: "We’re going to do more than praise our essential workers. We’re going to pay them. Pay them." #DemConvention #DemocraticConvention pic.twitter.com/38VJtIazY2
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 21, 2020
Joe Biden painted a very stark picture of our current political moment in his #DemConvention speech.
But he remained hopeful: "May history be able to say, that the end of this chapter of American darkness began here, tonight."
Read his full remarks: https://t.co/WYoVUJj1JB pic.twitter.com/WMfYddRk3w
— Vox (@voxdotcom) August 21, 2020
Overall, the Democratic National Convention was a highly successful and sophisticated virtual event, despite being the first major online political event of its kind. While most of the speakers were upfront about the dire need for a change of administration, there was also a lot of hope in what could be accomplished if we are successful in November.
