Day Five: Cal Black Media at Democratic National Convention ‘08
Oh What a Night!
Wherever you were….wherever you watched the speech…I’m sure you felt the electricity of this historic event. August 28, 2008 will go down in history as the day a son of America…a son of color….led this country toward a new day.
To quote Governor Kaine (from his speech last night) we ‘told the mountain to MOVE!’ We have truly come this far by faith!
Last night I had the luck, or providence, whatever you want to call it (I call it God) to be sitting three rows from the stage. I can’t tell you how overcome I was with emotion the whole time there at Invesco. But, you know what? I’m sure the people in the very last row…up at the top of the stadium…were equally honored to be present to witness the event!
This past week has been such a special time for me and I have enjoyed sharing brief notes with you! I’ve seen a who’s who of politicians, journalists, and celebrities. But, mostly I saw hard working people who care about our country and are ready for a change.
Here are some of my personal highlights from the week:
1. Sunday — the celebration of all of our major civil rights organizations. Each organization had their leader(s) speak…and of course Al Sharpton was on TARGET! The celebration was followed by a concert with Frankie Beverly and Maze (I never miss a concert!) As is typical of a Maze concert, EVERYONE was up dancing. I enjoyed dancing in the aisle with my younger brother who lives in Denver. We don’t see each other much and for me, it was a great way to kick off convention week!
2. Monday — walking into Pepsi Center. It became real to me as I saw the state signs. I sat with my state delegation and met a wonderful woman named Susan. Susan had been a Hillary supporter, but she is 100% for Obama now. We sat together each night at Pepsi Center….enjoyed the speeches, and…well here I go again…we danced to great music! And…we were thrilled with Michelle’s speech!
3. Tuesday — I went to the faith caucus where a well-regarded panel of faith leaders discussed the challenges of combining faith with politics. This is an area I sometimes struggle with, so it was refreshing to hear the political issues of today discussed from a faith perspective.
4. Wednesday — the roll call vote and the suspension of the vote by Hillary Clinton was suspenseful and rewarding. Talk about a catharsis! At the California delegation party that night I danced to old school music and even did the salsa with my Latino friends including Delores Huerta–the well-known Latina activist who had nominated Hillary Clinton. We were united!
5. Thursday — the crowd…the music….the speakers…and THE SPEECH!
Yes…I was a dancing fool again…especially with Stevie’s ‘Signed,
Sealed, and Delivered’ the Obama anthem!!
I’m home now….. resting my feet!!
Getting ready to continue my campaign work! Can’t wait for Inauguration
Week!!
Linnie Frank Bailey
For: California Black Media
www.linniebailey.com