What a week, John.

Emerge joined millions of Americans by tuning in and engaging for the first ever virtual Democratic National Convention.

Throughout the week, Emerge was busy showcasing the power of our network! A few of my personal highlights were:

Joining the Women for Biden official watch party where I talked about one of my favorite subjects — the power of women in politics. Seeing our alums in action through their captivating speeches. I am so proud of Virginia Delegates Danica Roem and Hala Ayala, Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod, Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath, New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haaland, and the other Emerge alums who showcased the best of our party. Organizing a panel discussion on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment on how far we’ve come and laying out the path forward in order to achieve true equity for Black women. Training Women on the actions they can take now, this cycle, and beyond to affect change. Partnering with Higher Heights for America on the #BlackWomenLead2020 reception to virtually gather and celebrate Senator Kamala Harris as she took the stage to accept her nomination.

And, of course, watching Senator Kamala Harris accept the nomination for Vice President was without a doubt a special moment for me and so many women across the country. We must remember that at the 1964 Democratic Convention, Fannie Lou Hamer fought to be seated as a delegate from Mississippi to have her voice heard in the democratic process. Seeing Senator Harris take the stage was the manifestation of the reimagining of our party that Fannie, Shirley, and countless others fought for. While the moment also underscored how far we’ve come in the fight for equality, we still have far to go.

This year’s convention coincided with an important milestone of our country’s history — 100 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment. We reflected on this momentous anniversary, acknowledging both the importance of this progress and the long lasting implications that these rights were not extended to all women. Black, Brown and Indigenous women were left behind by the 19th Amendment and did not have full voting rights until 1965 and after.

We see the implications of this throughout our society today, starting with fewer women of color being elected and appointed to government positions — which is why the work of Emerge is more critical than ever. If you’re able to, please make a contribution to Emerge today.

I look forward to spending the next 73 days fighting for Democrats up and down the ballot — and I hope you’ll join me. A'shanti F. Gholar President, Emerge