On the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention, in the leadup to Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic acceptance of the Democratic presidential nomination, the Black Political Excellence Fund hosted a reception celebrating all seven of the country’s Black women state Democratic Party chairs.
Our very own Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno gave a heartfelt speech on the incredible progress of Nevada Democrats, including a recent conclusion of a statewide rural tour across all 17 counties in Nevada. Chair Monroe-Moreno uplifted her commitment to build community across every corner of the Silver State, and listen to voters, regardless of party affiliation, about the issues that matter most to them. Each state party chair shared stories, both of their own experiences shattering glass ceilings, and their accumulated progress to do the work to elect the Harris-Walz ticket and Democrats up and down the ballot in November.
Chair Monroe-Moreno summarized the moment:
“We have each other’s backs. We’re raising the money, we’re building the organization, and we’re going to win.”
Watch the full speech HERE.
In case you missed it:
Washington Post: In Kamala Harris, Black women leaders see historic strides — and work ahead
Sabrina Rodriguez, Ashley Parker
Key Points:
- Six of seven Black female Democratic party chairs gathered in Chicago to celebrate their historic roles before Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination
- Black women have long been the backbone of the democratic party and the leaders emphasized the need for intentional promotion of black women into leadership positions
- Nevada State Democratic Party Chair, Daniele Monroe-Moreno, recounted the challenges she faced when running for her state assembly seat, where her qualifications we’re questioned because her district wasn’t predominantly black
- The Black female leaders believe that the Harris campaign could pave the way for more women of color to enter politics and be represented at all levels of government
- Despite gains, Black women still lag in political representation, making up less than 6% of officeholders despite being 7.7% of the population, with no Black women governors and only one Black woman in the U.S. Senate.
- Rosa Colquitt, Oregon Democratic Party Chair, paid tribute to past civil rights leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer, acknowledging progress that has been made while recognizing the work that remains.
Westside Gazette: Kamala Harris’ Lucky Numbers: Seven Sisters’ Safeguarding Democracy
Carma Henry
Key Points:
- The Black Political Excellence Fund sponsored a reception at the 50th Democratic National Convention in Chicago to honor seven Black female State Party Chairs – a historic milestone for the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC)
- NVDems Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno along with Jeanna Repass of Kansas, Lavora Barnes of Michigan, Alicia Andrews of Oklahoma, Dr. Rosa Colquitt of Oregon, Christale Spain of South Carolina, and Congresswoman Nikema Williams of Georgia – are the first Black women to hold these positions in their states.
- These women are seen as crucial figures in driving Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House and actively working in key battleground states to ensure Black voters return to the polls in record numbers.
- The party chairs highlighted the challenges of upholding their state parties and the additional challenges posed by opposition tactics make the role even more demanding.
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