How Delegates Experienced the DNC

by Eldon Graham

The Wells Fargo Center, the sight of the 2016 Democratic National convention, in South Philadelphia. The four day event, starting on July 25th attracted a monumental amount people from politicians to celebrity speakers. Photos by Eldon Graham.

Electricity filled the air as delegates, reporters, out-of-town visitors, celebrities and politicians packed inside the Wells Fargo Center for the Democratic National Convention, where Philadelphia played host to its 48^th incarnation.

On the first day, no one could deny the amount of enthusiasm inside the building. The noise on the convention floor carry well throughout the center. Inside there was nothing but smiles and pure excitement as far as the eye could see.

For some, the DNC is a chance to voice opinions under a well-positioned spotlight. Protesters and political activists flocked to the South Philadelphia Stadium District area, gathering around the Wells Fargo Center for a chance to be heard.

As the first of delegates arrived, the crowd of protesters made it loud and clear why they were there and what was their message by chanting over and over again, “Bernie, Bernie, Bernie”; “Bernie beats Trump”; and “The whole world is watching.” Some opposed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, others the DNC itself and what some perceive as the Democratic National Committee’s failure to look out for democracy and its people. Signs, posters and t-shirts of protest were brandished by the individuals behind the designated fenced area which only people with passes could enter.

Inside the convention, people from all sorts of different backgrounds and origins circulated the different levels of the stadium, in awe of the history they were taking part in.

Christopher Burwell, a first-year student at Northern Virginia Community College, knew exactly why he came to take part in the convention. “I am here basically for my family. My mom works with the Governor of Connecticut and so I just kind of came along and they let me in. I’m really interested in politics, so this is like a really important thing for me to be at and I am really happy about it,” he said.

Was there any significance to him that the convention was being held in Philadelphia in particular? Not so much, he said: “It could be anywhere, really.” He continued, “This whole atmosphere, I have never been to something like this before. To get a taste of that is interesting.”

Kyle West, a Kentucky Delegate attending his first Democratic National Convention. Coming as far as Kentucky to Philadelphia, West is hopping to see real change during this 2016 DNC.

Kyle West, a pledged delegate from Kentucky representing the 3^rd Congressional Dist. of Louisville, was also one who traveled far to take part in the DNC. West says he came all the way from Kentucky to his first political convention in Philadelphia to support Bernie Sanders. He came in with “open eyes,” feeling excited about what was taking place at the convention. West mentioned how the Governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, who ran and was elected on a platform to destroy Obamacare in that state – a promise he swiftly delivered on – took away West’s only source of treatment. “That took health care directly away from me,” he said. Now he sides with Sanders in hope of getting it back. “Health care for all, as a right, I believe in that,” West said.

West also pointed out the issue of coal mining in Kentucky. “When you look at coal mining and whatnot, people are scraping by and they are having to work really bad jobs to do it. With something like a higher minimum wage, a livable wage, the abject poverty and the hopelessness that comes with living at just at minimum wage, I think that would do this country a great difference.” He continued, “FDR was against freedom from fear and won, and I think we need to get back to that.”

Obviously, West is looking for brighter days ahead not just in his home state but the entire country as well. To many, the DNC is a stepping stone to that becoming a reality.

Jerry Springer, the popular talk show host of The Jerry Springer Show, and the 56th Mayor of Cincinnati stopped by the convention.

Celebrities were all over the DNC as well. Talk-show host Jerry Springer attended the first day of the convention and let his opinion be known about whom he wants to lead the country: “I think now the time to get behind Hillary and make sure she is the President.” Springer threw a lot of support in Clinton’s direction because he does not believe Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is qualified for the job.

Gabriela Gonzalez, a California delegate, who teaches in Los Angeles County, was all smiles at the Wells Fargo Center. Wearing an “Educators for Hillary” t-shirt and a button that says, “Our State Can Trump Hate,” Gonzalez made it clear whom she is supporting during the convention and this upcoming 2016 presidential election. Educators from all over the country are rallying behind Clinton. Gonzalez is thrilled by Clinton’s proposal to launch a national campaign to modernize and elevate the profession of teaching.

Gabriela Gonzalez, a Los Angeles County educator, who is also a California delegate attends the DNC in support of democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and better educational quality standards and policies.

Gonzalez was captivated by Clinton’s demeanor and devoted advocacy for children and schools during her speech at the regional assembly of National Education Association that Gonzalez attended. “I was really empowered by what she said,” Gonzalez gushed. “She said that she would have one of us at the table, that she would include us when it came to decisions when it came to public schools and involving the teachers in writing policies for our students. So I was really interested in that.” She continued, “I felt that she was really advocating for us as educators and really for our students because if we do what’s best for our students then I think we do what’s best for our country.”

Gonzalez has been to several NEA delegation assemblies attending but this is her first national political convention. She ran for her a congressional delegate seat in her district so that she could be a part of the change she expects Clinton to bring. “By pledging to Hillary, we could really make a difference in the area that I work in, which is very low socio-economically, an urban school, but high performing. I wanted to see what she could for our school, our city and our country in general,” she affirmed.

Gonzalez runs a teaching blog known as the Common Core Café, designed to inspire educators, provide resources, and to model the connections between common core state standard-based curriculum and technology.

Two Hillary Clinton supporters, Princess Moss and Donna Harris-Aikens are enjoying the DNC in Philadelphia and the possibility of change that it brings to our schools across the country.

Princess Moss is another educator attending the convention, with her companion Donna Harris-Aikens. Moss is a public-school teacher supporting Hillary Clinton. “It doesn’t matter what zip code you’re from, she believes that every student should have access to a quality public education and a quality public school and that is why I am supporting her,” Moss stated.

For delegates, Philadelphia hospitality has been a success for the Democratic National Convention Committee – a success that not only political parties, but major events across the country have been watching carefully to choose a host city for future gatherings.

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