The Democratic National Convention in Chicago opened with a night of history, reflection, and renewed determination for the future. With President Joe Biden stepping aside and Vice President Kamala Harris taking the top spot on the ticket, the convention marked a significant moment for the Democratic Party and the nation. Harris’ rise as the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to lead a major party’s presidential ticket underscored the night’s theme of breaking barriers and embracing diversity.

As Democrats gathered to celebrate this historic moment, the convention also served as a rallying cry to confront the challenges ahead, with speeches focusing on civil rights, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing fight against Trumpism.

One of the night’s most powerful moments was the tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon and former Democratic presidential candidate. Jackson, now 82 and battling Parkinson’s disease, was celebrated for his lifelong activism.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Rep. Maxine Waters of California were among those who honored Jackson, highlighting his tireless work for racial justice. A video montage chronicled his storied career, and Jackson appeared on stage in a wheelchair, beaming as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Rev. Jesse Jackson’s historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 reshaped the Democratic Party and forever changed American politics. As only the second African American to run for president, following Shirley Chisholm in 1972, Jackson broke new ground with his "Keep Hope Alive" speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention. His candidacy was transformative: in 1988, Jackson became the first African American to win a major-party state primary or caucus, galvanizing a coalition of minority, labor, and progressive voters. His campaigns pushed the Democratic Party to embrace more inclusive policies and laid the groundwork for future leaders, including President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Democratic Party also took time to reflect on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several speakers shared personal loss stories and criticized former President Donald Trump for mishandling the crisis. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan emotionally recounted losing her brother to the virus. At the same time, Rep. Lauren Underwood of Illinois condemned Trump’s response: "He took the COVID crisis and turned it into a catastrophe. We can never ever let him be our president again.”

Rep. Robert Garcia, who lost his mother and stepfather to COVID-19, also took the stage, recalling Trump’s failures and concluding with a call to action: “We are not going back,” a slogan aligned with Harris’ campaign. See a clip from Underwood’s speech below:

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett delivered one of the night’s most memorable and fiery speeches. The first-term congresswoman championed Kamala Harris’ career as a prosecutor while launching a blistering attack on Donald Trump. She compared Harris’ dedication to justice with Trump’s legal troubles, saying, “He became a career criminal with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star.”

Crockett’s remarks drew thunderous applause from the crowd, and her sharp rebuke of Trump set the tone for a night filled with strong criticisms of the former president. Her speech underscored the Democrats' resolve to hold Trump accountable for his actions and to highlight the stark contrast between the two candidates.

Hillary Clinton, the first woman to secure a major party’s presidential nomination, took the stage in a powerful full-circle moment. Greeted with thunderous applause, Clinton reflected on her 2016 campaign. He expressed hope that Kamala Harris could accomplish what she could not—become the first woman to be elected President of the United States.

Clinton referenced the “cracks in the glass ceiling” she and her supporters created and envisioned Harris shattering that ceiling once and for all. She urged the crowd not to become complacent, even in the face of positive polling. “We have him on the run now,” she said, referring to Trump, “But no matter what the polls say, we can’t give up.”

Her speech was both a rallying cry and a warning, reminding Democrats of the lessons learned from 2016 and the importance of remaining vigilant.

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, known for his powerful oratory and moral leadership, delivered one of the night’s most impactful speeches. Drawing on his background as a pastor and civil rights advocate, Warnock emphasized the interconnectedness of all people and the moral responsibility to care for not just one’s community but for communities worldwide.

“I need my neighbor's children to be OK so that my children will be OK,” Warnock said passionately. “I need all of my neighbor's children to be OK. Poor inner-city children in Atlanta and poor children of Appalachia. I need the poor children of Israel and the poor children of Gaza … Those in Haiti. Those in Ukraine. I need American children on both sides of the track to be OK. Because we are all God's children.”

Warnock’s words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding them that the Democratic Party’s vision extends beyond national borders and includes a commitment to global justice and humanitarian efforts.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York added her voice to the night’s chorus of strong criticisms against Donald Trump. Known for her unapologetic progressive stance, Ocasio-Cortez labeled Trump a “two-bit union buster” who “would sell this country for a dollar.” She drew enthusiastic applause, reinforcing the night’s message of holding Trump accountable and preventing his return to power.

Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks reflected the determination of younger Democrats to push the party toward more progressive policies while remaining united in their fight against Trumpism.

In a surprise appearance, Vice President Kamala Harris paid tribute to President Joe Biden, thanking him for his “historic leadership.” 

“We are forever grateful to you,” Harris said to Biden, who has been a key supporter of her rise. She also emphasized the importance of diversity and optimism, saying, “I see the beauty of our great nation” as she looked out over the diverse crowd—a striking difference from the Republican National Convention in July. See the clip:

President Joe Biden closed out the evening with an emotional and reflective speech that highlighted his accomplishments and his deep concern for the nation's future. Wiping away tears as he took the stage, Biden was introduced by his daughter Ashley. 

Biden recounted the events that led him to run for president in 2020, including the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that jolted him into action. “They didn’t even bother to wear their hoods,” Biden said, recalling the haunting images of hate on the march in America. He warned that those ghosts of hatred still linger, though they may wear new garments.

Biden also expressed optimism about the future: "I’m more optimistic about the future now than I was when I was elected a 29-year-old senator.” His 52-speech was a mixture of pride in his achievements and a call to action for the party to continue the fight for justice and equality.

Day one of the Democratic National Convention set the tone for a week of reflection, celebration, and renewed determination. With Kamala Harris stepping into the spotlight as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, the convention showcased the party’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice—domestically and globally.

As Harris leads the way, Democrats are poised to make history, but they remain mindful of the obstacles that lie ahead. The stakes are high, but the energy in Chicago suggests that the party is ready for the fight to protect and shape America’s future.

Clay Cane is a SiriusXM radio host and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans From the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump.