Front row seat to history
 

Last week, I had the honor to represent Knoxville as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. What an exhilarating and exhausting four days! I want to share a few reflections and photos of this whirlwind week with you.



Monday night: We heard gracious and inspiring messages from Hillary Clinton, Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, and many others. The evening ended with a moving speech and the passing of the torch from President Joe Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris.



All week, the Tennessee Delegation was in prime position to see all the speakers and VIPs, and also catch some airtime. City Councilwoman Debbie Helsley and I were on NBC!



Tuesday night's celebratory Roll Call was so much fun, states casting their votes for Harris accompanied by DJ Cassiday's playlist. You couldn't ask for a better song than Dolly Parton's "9-5" to represent our state! Tennessee was led by State Rep. Justin Pearson and TNDP Chair Hendrell Remus (shown with Rep. Steve Cohen on the right). Although I couldn't hear a word of Rep. Pearson's resounding announcement because the cheering was so loud, I loved listening to it later.



After long nights, days were full of caucus meetings and more speeches. Even breakfast featured amazing speakers, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who signed my copy of her book!



On Wednesday night, before Governor Walz accepted the VP nomination, the Mankato West High School football players talked about what a great teacher and coach he was, how he'd shovel your walk, change your tire, sponsor your Gay-Straight Alliance club. He also helped the team go from almost no wins to a state championship during his long career as a high school social studies teacher. That was a highlight for me, among many.

 

Thursday night ended with VP Kamala Harris accepting the nomination for President of the United States. I was so glad to witness history with my friends U.S. Senate candidate Gloria Johnson and Freda Player, whom I met through Emerge Tennessee, and who now serves on the Metro Nashville School Board.

I came home from this extraordinary experience invigorated, inspired and hopeful.


Very truly yours,