Next week, the Democratic National Convention is slated to take place in Chicago. The last time the city hosted the event was in 1996. According to a report from NBC News, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz are scheduled to give speeches. In addition, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are expected to address the Democratic supporters in the audience.
Bill Clinton’s former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also give a speech, along with Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, appearing on his grandfather’s behalf. However, we have our own wishlist of folks we’d like to see at the DNC and they include some cultural heavy hitters.
Oprah Winfrey
In 2005, Kamala Harris appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” after making history by becoming the first Black woman District Attorney in the state of California. Winfrey herself said she was “in tears” as she watched Harris be sworn as the first Black woman vice president. Additionally, she has chronicled Harris’ path to the presidency with her publication “Oprah Daily.”
Hakeem Jeffries
Just days after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries quickly followed suit and did the same thing during a news conference in Washington days later. “Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” Jeffries said per a statement on his website. “I’m proud to strongly endorse Kamala Harris to be the 47th president of the United States of America.”
Michelle Obama
Even though her husband and forever POTUS Barack Obama is already scheduled to speak at the DNC, it would be nice for former First Lady Michelle Obama to give a speech as well. When Barack called Harris to officially endorse her, Michelle was on the call as well. “I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you,” she said. “This is going to be historic.”
Spike Lee
The Oscar-winning filmmaker and ultimate chronicler of Black life was one of the first stars to publicly endorse Harris for the Oval Office. When President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the race on July 21, Lee went on Instagram that same day to post a photo of Harris, full of emojis in the caption. He wrote: “ONCE AGAIN A SISTA COMES TO DA RESCUE.”
Beyoncé
Although the “Cowboy Carter” artist has not publicly endorsed Vice President Harris, Beyoncé did give the Harris campaign permission to use one of her songs. “Freedom” appeared in Harris’ first official presidential campaign video. In addition, Bey’s mom Tina Knowles officially endorsed Harris with an Instagram post.