The Democratic National Convention was one big fat party with guests ranging from celebrities to local politicians. Every night we got powerful endorsements for Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for the 2024 primary election, along with her running mate Gov. Tim Walz.
However, between the calls for policy change, heartfelt speeches from firsthand victims of violence and injustice from Donald Trump’s America and hilarious jabs at the Cheeto’s nonsense, we had some stellar performances and appearances by some of the biggest legends in Black entertainment.
We’re doing our own roll call of all the Black celebrity faces who popped up and popped out to the 2024 DNC in Chicago. Take a look:
Lil Jon
Seeing Lil Jon perform ‘Turn Down for What’ was NOT on our DNC bingo card. But honestly, it should have been. The rapper kicked off the first day of the DNC leading the musical roll call.
Spike Lee
The legendary director and producer showed up every day of the convention with a colorful statement shirt. Though he was a cool cat, sitting in the bleachers among the spectators, he made sure to get some flicks with the other politicians and notable attendees.
Kerry Washington
The DNC moment we needed was Olivia Pope- I mean, Kerry Washington popping up at the convention to give all the Scandal fans the cross-over episode they deserved alongside actor Tony Goldwyn. We also can’t forget the adorable bit where she brought out Harris’ nieces to teach That Orange Man how to pronounce her name.
Stevie Wonder
The singing legend had the crowd rockin’ with his stellar performance of ‘Higher Ground.’ He also gave a heartfelt speech.
“This is the moment to remember when you tell your children where you were, and what you did - we must choose courage over complacency,” he said on the DNC stage.
Oprah Winfrey
In a surprise appearance, the billionaire producer and media giant delivered a speech advocating for abortion rights, sending a few jabs at Trump and urged Americans to stand in unity against the divisive agenda for democracy.
“If you cannot control when and how you choose to bring your children into this world and how they are raised and supported, there is no American dream,” she said.
Common
The rapper/activist and Chicago-native performed at the DNC, bringing some Hip Hop flavor to the convention alongside gospel singer Jonathan Reynolds who put a spin on his song “God is Good.”
Patti LaBelle
The singer almost took us to church with her performance of “You Are My Friend” in a powerful tribute remembering the late members of the Democratic Party.
Uzo Aduba
The “Orange is the New Black” actor was spotted at the DNC Women’s Caucus meeting, according to various attendees.
Anthony Anderson
The actor popped out to the DNC alongside a number of Hollywood stars as part of The Creative Coalition to talk with political leaders about how their art impacts the world.
Yvette Nicole Brown
The actress was also in attendance of The Creative Coalition’s Trailblazers Luncheon held during the DNC.
Yolonda Ross
Spotted alongside other Black Hollywood stars in attendance to The Creative Coalition’s luncheon was ‘The Chi’ actress who spoke on how the organization “gave her a voice as an artist,” per a Forbes’ recap.
Danai Gurira
The “Black Panther” actress also made an appearance at The Creative Coalition’s luncheon during the DNC.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
The actress and singer led a sing-along of “We’re Not Going Back” at the Womens Caucus meeting following with words of encouragement and was also spotted at a Women for Harris brunch tearing up the campaign chant on the mic.
Octavia Spencer
The actress was spotted dancing alongside Sheryl Lee Ralph in the bleacher stands.
Kenan Thompson
The actor and comedian took the DNC stage with a hilarious skit describing the horrid contents of Project 2025, highlighting promises to strip the LGBT+ of their protections, increase prescription drugs and ban abortions nationwide while threatening to arrest healthcare providers who provide them.
John Legend and Sheila E.
The musicians took the DNC stage to perform Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” a darling nod at VP Harris’ recent mention of Prince being one of her favorite artists.
D.L. Hughley
In a funny skit, the comedian ripped Trump and his slander of Harris. However, he also issued an apology for judging Harris before doing his own research on her history and credentials.
Steph Curry
In a virtual statement played on the Jumbotron, the basketball player and recent Olympic medalist donned his gold while formally announcing his endorsement of Harris for president.
Rosario Dawson
The actress and founder of Voto Latino was spotted in the general DNC crowd and took a sidebar with CNN about her support for the new presidential candidates and how they are working to touch base with the Afro-Latino community with their policies.
Ava DuVernay
The producer and filmmaker was caught backstage at the DNC grabbing selfies with fellow entertainers and of course, Barack Obama. On the last day of the convention, members of the Central Park Five, the subject of her famous docu-series “When They See Us” also took the stage.
Wendell Pierce
The actor was seen in the convention taking interviews and grabbing pictures with notable attendees including Stacey Abrams and Rep. Jasmine Crockett. On the floor, he urged Black men to submit their vote to VP Harris.
“As a Black man why should we fear the rise of a Black woman. What would make you so fearful of someone who was so beloving to you like your mother and your grandmother and your aunts and your sisters - that you cannot be proud and embolden yourself when you see someone from your community rise up,” said Pierce in an interview with Joy Reid.
Amanda Gorman
The 22-year-old poet, who launched into the limelight after reciting an original piece when Harris was inaugurated as Vice President back in 2020 made an appearance at the DNC to recite another honoring this historical moment.
“We redeem this sacred scene ready for our journey from it.
Together we must birth this early republic and achieve an unearthly summit.
Let us not just believe in the American dream. Let us be worthy of it,” she recited from her poem, “This Sacred Scene.”