The 2008 Democratic National Convention (“DNC”) was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life —- yet so challenging to put into words. While flying to Denver, Colorado, I glanced at some of the events that were to take place during the Convention and decided I would try to get to as many events as possible.  I followed my intentions and my entire week was full of activity.  

       Each day began with either interviews on the Spanish radio, blogging, or answering emails from individuals back home, followed by a 7:00 am breakfast with speakers who, at times, used humor and/or hard core facts to energize delegates and motivate us to work hard to elect Barack Obama in November.  Later each day, there were many opportunities to learn from a vast number of elected officials, activists, media sources and special interest groups all who shared their own wisdom on their respective agendas, such as education, health care reform, environment, energy, the war in Iraq, and the economy, etc.

       The first three evenings of the Convention were each significant within their own right. On the first evening, the Convention Hall was filled with lots of music and there was plenty of excitement. I have to admit that the overall jubilation I felt was hard to contain. I often found myself dancing and encouraging other delegates to get into the groove, too, because there was so much to celebrate. The following Convention nights had less entertainment in order to make room for a discussion of the issues. There were many, many sensational speakers who displayed enormous passion and sincerity when speaking about why they are encouraged by Obama’s leadership. While all the speakers were well received, some were more captivating than others. Among those who garnered standing ovations were Senator Kennedy, who sacrificed his own health in order to support his health reform agenda and the candidate who will make it happen; former President Bill Clinton; Senator Hillary Clinton, who called for unity; and Michelle Obama, who with sincere affection, talked about the values that all families share and was able to connect her upbringing with that of families throughout America.

       On Thursday, a group of Latino Massachusetts delegates canvassed part of the day in a Latino community in Denver. Later that afternoon, I rushed to the Convention site. As advised by our state party, I made an extra effort to allow additional time to get to Invesco Field, where the final night of the Convention was held. As predicted, there was added security to accommodate the roughly 74,499 other individuals trying to enter the stadium, too. As I had done other nights, I went to greet my newly-acquainted friends from other states and chatted with them briefly. 

       When I arrived where the Massachusetts delegation was to be seated, I found Mr. E. Henry Twiggs and I sat with him and his wife, Karen. Although that evening had plenty of music and the ambience was  well set for the impressive festivities, what impressed me the most was that overwhelmingly people seemed to be experiencing unbelievable excitement, yet, at the same time, there was a deep, somber, surreal feeling as well. During the event, I would often gaze around the stadium mesmerized by the crowd. At one point I looked over at Mr. Twiggs and became a little concerned as he quivered with sheer emotion, but I understood what this moment meant for him and for so many other African Americans.

       I believe that the convergence of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech with my honor in representing the 2nd Congressional district at the Convention and being there with my colleague, the distinguished chair of the City Democratic Committee, Mr. E. Henry Twiggs, a remarkable leader  in his own right during the Civil Rights Movement who had the privilege to walk along side Dr. King during the March On Washington and also in Selma, Alabama, a man who is a great mentor and fatherly figure to me, unquestionably contributed to my own out-of-body experience, which has since left me with a deeper conviction and renewed commitment to work ever more vigorously to get Obama elected so that our nation can  move forward and once again become the envy of the world.

       I can’t possibly imagine what it must have felt like when the Wall in Berlin finally came tumbling down, but I have a feeling that there were strong emotions similar to what some people experienced at the DNC. When Barack Obama is elected President, many people all over the country will participate in and understand my “up close” experience. n