New Orleans Area Democrats Prepare for National Convention

With approximately 50,000 delegates, media and guests already descending upon Chicago for next week’s Democratic National Convention, members of the state’s delegation who live in this region are preparing for a jam-packed week of hard core politics, networking and myriad opportunities to meet like-minded advocates from all 50 states and U.S. territories. The stated purpose of the convention is to celebrate the achievements of the Biden-Harris Administration and chart a path for the country’s future.  

Daytime activities include delegation breakfasts, lunches, receptions and press briefings along with caucus meetings that focus on women, youth, seniors, labor, the environment, veterans, small business, poverty, the disabled and a plethora of diverse ethnic councils. During the main programming each evening, Louisiana’s credentialed delegates and select guests will hear visionary speeches and mix and mingle with a broad cross-section of Americans who share their values.    

“This will be my 12th national convention,” said outgoing Democratic National Committeewoman and former state senator Diana Bajoie, who began participating in the 1970’s soon after she was elected to the Louisiana Legislature. Bajoie has experienced it all during her convention year visits to cities including Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, and Boston. In her role as national committeewoman, Bajoie has also attended numerous meetings of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) where she was involved in the creation of the party’s national agenda. 

“Throughout the decades I have met many committed activists – including other Black female elected officials – who have become life-long colleagues and friends. It’s been a mutually rewarding experience. I’ve learned from them, and they have learned from me. Ensuring that Black women are valued by the Democratic Party has always one of our goals,” Bajoie explained.

Arthur Morrell, another former elected official and Democratic National Committeeman, has been a delegate at numerous conventions. “Supporting Kamala Harris is a no-brainer. She is smart, a female and a minority who is challenging a crook. She has a good chance to win,” said Morrell.  

Bajoie’s former state house seat is now held by Rep. Mandie Landry who is attending the national convention for the first time. “I am extremely excited for Kamala Harris and that this moment is happening. Donald Trump is not who America needs as our next president. Trump never should have been in office in the first place, and hopefully he never will be again,” said Landry. 

Another first time attendee is newly elected OPDEC member Michele Johnson who is also serving as one of Louisiana delegates to the DNC’s Platform Standing Committee. “I’m deeply humbled to be a member of the Louisiana delegation for what’s going to be a historic Democratic National Convention,” said Johnson. 

Congressional candidate Mel Manuel is preparing to attend events with the LGBTQ+ caucus and raise funds for their campaign. “Every Democrat I know is pumped about Kamala’s campaign, me included. Even though I think we’re all still frightened of the possibility of a Trump win, Kamala’s given us back hope these past few weeks and that feels good. With Kamala as our nominee, I expect the tone of the convention is going to be electric and full of hope,” said Manuel. 

Delegate Sandra Green Thomas is attending the national convention for a second time. “This will be the most important election in my lifetime. It’s a simple choice between moving forward with a more inclusive, equitable and just society or returning to a time when the majority of our people were without the rights of full citizenship. Women and minorities cannot afford to sit this one out. I will work tirelessly to move this country and the people forward by electing the Harris-Walz ticket,” said Green Thomas.

State Representative Delisha Boyd, who was recently honored by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE), has many expectations for the convention including unity and inclusion, clear vision and policies, engagement with grassroots movements, inspiring speakers, a focus on voter mobilization, addressing current challenges and creating a vision for the future.

“I hope to see a strong emphasis on unity within the party. It’s critical that diverse voices are included and that we present a united front heading into the election,” said Boyd. She also expects a clear articulation of the party’s vision for the future, focusing on pressing issues such as healthcare, climate change, and social justice. Boyd believes concrete policy proposals should be highlighted to inspire and mobilize voters. 

“It’s also important that the convention recognizes and engages with grassroots movements. Listening to the concerns of everyday Americans will strengthen our platform and connect with the electorate,” she explained. She also looks forward to hearing from a diverse lineup of speakers who can motivate and energize the democratic base. “Personal stories that resonate with voters can be powerful tools for connection. I anticipate a strong commitment to voter mobilization efforts, ensuring that all eligible voters are informed and encouraged to participate in the election.”

Boyd wishes to see a forward-looking agenda that not only addresses current challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future. “The Democratic National Convention can effectively energize the party and inspire a broader coalition to drive progress in our communities and across the nation,” Boyd concluded.

City Council Member Eugene Green is pleased to attend this convention in person after having been a Biden delegate four years ago for the convention which was canceled due to the pandemic.

“I intend to collaborate and network with motivated people involved with political and electoral activity from throughout the nation, securing from them tips and suggestions as to how they will work – adding to my ideas and focus – to elect the Harris-Walz ticket,” said Green.  He will also use his time at the convention to become even more motivated, through attendance at educational meetings and events, to both elect Kamala Harris as president and to sharpen his ability to offer greater levels of service to the people of his district and of this nation.

“Witnessing Mrs. Harris accept the Democratic Party nomination for President in person will make me part of a historic event that will result in the election of President Harris, who brings exceptional credentials to the White House. Being in the presence of motivated, focused conventioneers and strong Democratic Party supporters from throughout the nation will enhance my commitment to electing the Harris-Walz ticket to move our nation forward,” Green concluded.  

Another Louisiana delegate who will play an important role at the convention is attorney Lindsey Cheek who is representing the state as a Rules Standing Committee member. “This year is about more than just politics; it’s about being part of a historic shift toward empowering, encouraging and believing in women and our ability to lead. It’s also about joining together in the fight for environmental and racial justice and achieving equality for ALL Americans regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation, background, financial status, etc.,” said Cheek. 

She also believes this year is about ensuring the crucial preservation of women’s reproductive rights and freedoms. “With Madame VP Kamala Harris at the helm as our Democratic Presidential nominee, this is a powerful moment for women everywhere. To put it bluntly, it is about damn time we put a woman in charge! #TheFutureIsFemale,” exclaimed Cheek. Her goal is to bring back insight and continued momentum. “I am beyond thrilled, humbled and grateful for this opportunity to experience and be a part of such a historic moment.” In support of the Harris-Walz ticket, Cheek has pledged more than $100,000 to the DNC and the Louisiana Democratic Party.   

Other members of Louisiana’s delegation from this area include State Party Chair Randal Gaines, First Vice Chair Katie Darling, Congressman Troy Carter, National Democratic Committeeman and State Senator Gary Carter Jr., Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis, State Rep. Kyle Green Jr., City Council President Helena Moreno, former City Councilmember Jared Brossett, Sean Bruno, Laurie Constantino, Andrea Manuel, Adonis Expose, and Timothy David Ray. In addition, attorneys John and Donna Cummings are members of the DNC’s Credentials Standing Committee.

On August 19 – 22, the main evening programming will be offered in English and Spanish and captioned for American Sign Language. Interested viewers can watch all the floor activities and speeches on Tik Tok, Instagram, X, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, RokuTV, FireTV, Comcast, Directv and U-verse TV. The nightly program begins at 5:30 p.m. (Central) on the 19th and 6:00 p.m. (Central) August 20-22. Programming concludes nightly at 10 p.m. A formal speaking schedule has yet to be released as well as the name of the keynote speaker – generally one of the Democrat’s rising stars. It has been announced that former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with Hillary Clinton are slated to speak. The convention’s official live stream can be found on DemConvention.com 

A city in which America’s labor movement is still strong, Chicago expects a significant economic impact from the convention. The economic impact in Philadelphia in 2016 was $230.9 million. In 2012, Charlotte enjoyed a $163 million economic impact.