Mom and Grandmothers Honored at Democratic National Convention

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Michelle Obama drew parallels between her own mother, Marian Robinson, and Vice President Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan. In a poignant speech, Obama reflected on the values instilled in her by Robinson, who passed away in May, emphasizing the importance of voice and moral integrity. She urged delegates to “do something,” encapsulating the spirit of activism that has characterized the convention. Former President Barack Obama followed, recalling his grandmother and Robinson, both of whom, despite their different backgrounds, shared core values of honesty, kindness, and hard work. He critiqued Donald Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” suggesting that Americans desire a society rooted in mutual care and compassion, echoing Abraham Lincoln’s vision of national unity and affection. Hillary Clinton also contributed to the theme of maternal influence, recounting her mother Dorothy's experiences in Chicago before women gained the right to vote. Clinton expressed pride in being the first woman to accept a major party’s presidential nomination in 2016, highlighting the progress women have made in politics. As the Democratic Party aims to galvanize women voters ahead of the November elections, the emphasis on women's roles in society and their contributions to family and community remains central to their campaign strategy, particularly in support of Harris's potential candidacy as the first woman president.