Historic Nomination at Democratic National Convention in Chicago

The NPR Network is providing live coverage from Chicago this week as the Democratic National Convention unfolds, marking a significant moment in U.S. political history. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to become the first Black woman and Asian-American to receive the party's presidential nomination, a milestone in the nearly 200-year history of the Democratic Party. The event commenced with remarks from Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison and Convention Chair Minyon Moore, both of whom are Black, highlighting the contributions of past Black leaders to Harris's candidacy. Harrison emphasized the importance of this moment, referencing civil rights activists like Fannie Lou Hamer and Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to run for president as a Democrat. He noted that the current leadership, comprising a Black convention chair and a Black DNC chair, is a culmination of the efforts of those who paved the way for Harris's nomination. The convention also featured a poignant moment as Harrison, accompanied by his young sons, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The event paid tribute to civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, whose presence, despite his reliance on a wheelchair, moved many attendees to tears. Jackson's past attempts at securing the Democratic nomination were acknowledged, with speakers crediting his perseverance as instrumental in paving the way for both former President Obama and now Harris. Obama is scheduled to address the convention on its second day, further underscoring the historical significance of this week.