As Democratic National Convention opens, Black elected officials and Democrats declare Black women will drive history home

CHICAGO — Kamala Harris’ historic ascension to the role of Democratic nominee for president is not only a landmark move for this White House election, but also for Black women in history, high-level Black elected officials acknowledged Monday on opening day of the Democratic National Convention. The Democratic Party is turning a corner, DNC Black Caucus Chairwoman Virgie Rollins said during the caucus’ meeting at Chicago’s McCormick Center. “Democracy as we know it is facing extinction,” she said.& The figurative coronation of Vice President Harris, the first Black woman to become a major party nominee for U.S. president, is a testament to both Harris and to the power of Black women, Black elected officials said at the meeting. The gathering that drew dozens of people served as a full-throated acknowledgment that this election will be powered just as much by Black women elected officials, as well as those whose names don’t appear at the top of the ballot. U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., speaks during the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. Photo credit: Paul Sancya, The Associated Press Even Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, noted during the meeting that his strategy has always...