I love to knit. There’s just something about the rhythmic nature of knitting that soothes me and helps to clear my mind. It’s a way to slow down after a hectic day, a peaceful activity between meetings, and it allows you to take a little piece of home with you as you travel. Each movement is intentional, every thread has a purpose, and the final product can be useful for a lifetime.
Together with the most diverse and inclusive convention team in history, the 2016 Democratic Convention is knitting a tapestry that reflects the open arms of the Democratic Party and the beauty of our nation.
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This July, the 2016 Democratic National Convention will take place in the city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. It’s hard to believe that just eight years ago in Denver, Colorado, our party nominated the first African-American president of the United States, President Barack Obama. I was honored to serve as CEO for the historic 2008 convention, and I am humbled to have the opportunity once again. As the first person to manage a democratic convention for the second time in history, I am committed to making this convention the most forward-looking, engaging, diverse, and inclusive convention our party has ever seen. And I am very confident in the eminently qualified, highly-motivated women and men that make up our team.
Decades of research and studies have shown that when women succeed, America succeeds. Now, more than ever, we need to create channels for women to rise to the top, to have a seat at the table as we solve some of the most pressing issues of our day. It’s in the best interest of our party, but more importantly, it’s vital to the success of our nation.
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I am always conscious that I am a black woman doing this. I am proud to lead a dynamic team of folks, which at this moment, includes 65 percent women. I believe it’s my obligation to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion: to pave the way for future generations of women leaders and to honor the hard work and sacrifices of women like civil rights icons Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan, who famously spoke at the 1964 and 1976 Democratic National Conventions, respectively.
"Decades of research and studies have shown that when women succeed, America succeeds."
When young women look at the leaders of major institutions and see women who look like them, we’re sending a message that they can imagine themselves there, too. I am proud of the women on my staff who are breaking down barriers, not because they’re women, but because they’re the best and they happen to be women.
I see the convention as an opportunity to showcase our party and its values, to reach back into history and to look forward towards a more inclusive future representation of the strides women have made in this country.
This is why it’s important to have a staff building the Democratic National Convention whose experiences and perspectives reflect our progress, values, and hope for the future.
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When more women lead, the fabric of our democracy is stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to face the challenges we face as a nation. Embracing this diversity will help ensure that our democratic nominee is elected as the 45th President of the United States of America.
Rev. Leah D. Daughtry is the head of the Democratic National Convention.
