DNC begins amidst divide, incoming Chair is introduced

by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer

“Glory, Glory, Hallelujah” echoes through the halls of the Democratic National Convention as delegates, supporters and protesters file through the doors and shuffle to their seats.

The convention is called to order and the gavel is struck.

The crowd roars in unity as Boyz II Men hit the stage. Following, a prayer is said by Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale of Ray of Hope Christian Church.

Boys II Men plays at the DNC on July 25, 2016. Photo by Sara Ritsch.

The delegates, protesters, and supporters once again stand in unity. She speaks of “tension in the land,” but the applause sounds together.

“Help us be a just and equitable society,” she says, advocating the nomination of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Cheers and boos ensue. Chants of “Bernie, Bernie” take over.

Delegates from Ohio and Texas take the stage to say the Pledge of Allegiance; the National Anthem is sung.

James Roosevelt, Jr. Co-Chair of the Credentials Committee, says the Democratic Party is stronger together. Co-Chair Lorraine Miller chimes in in accordance, saying this convention is the most diverse of all time. All people “should be able to achieve the American Dream,” she says.

This comes at a time pivotal time for the Democratic Party, who some say has been experiencing a divide since the release of about 19,000 private emails belonging to the Democratic National Committee. The emails detail the “rigging” of the election in Clinton’s favor.

The divide may have begun before this release, when Sen. Bernie Sanders announced that he believed the system was rigged months ago during his campaign.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz will no longer serve as DNC Chair due to the proof of these allegations.

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, incoming Chair of the Democratic National Committee, accepts her gavel as permanent chair, announcing her excitement to put Clinton and running mate Tim Kaine in the White House.

Chants of “Bernie” once again ensue.

Her advocacy of Clinton’s politics is seemingly only met with boos as she makes her voice more prominent, saying, “Excuse me.” She battles the crowd, her voice unable to break through the cries of Sanders’ name.

“We are going to unite and we’re going to make history. And we’re going to do everything we can to elect Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine."

“Hillary Clinton, this is your time,” she says.

The convention begins.

Copyright 2016 The Gayly - 7/25/16 @ 4:10 p.m. CDT