Detroit is no stranger to making history, and right now, all eyes should be on the 2024 Democratic National Convention unfolding in Chicago. As the convention marches into its second day, the energy is electric, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and Black Detroiters are at the center of it all—whether they realize it or not. With Kamala Harris set to take the reins as the party’s nominee, this DNC is not just a political event but a moment that could shape the future for Black Americans across the nation. The question is: What does this historic moment mean for Detroit, a city whose Black community has long fought for civil rights, labor justice, and political empowerment? How will this convention, with its high-stakes rhetoric and powerful symbolism, impact Michigan—particularly its Black residents?
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow’s bold move during the first night of the DNC set the stage for these questions. As she slammed a massive hardcover copy of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 book on the podium and for those that understands the detriment of this book, the message was loud and clear—there is an existential threat looming over Black communities in this election. This nearly 1,000-page handbook outlines the far-right agenda for dismantling civil rights, labor protections, and social justice advancements, many of which have been hard-won by Black Americans. “Whatever you think it might be,” she said. “It is so much worse.” It’s no wonder that McMorrow chose to physically emphasize its weight during her speech, likening it to the heft of her own 3-year-old daughter. She wasn’t just making a statement for shock value; she was delivering a warning. The GOP’s playbook isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a comprehensive strategy to roll back progress.
Rather it was her goal or not, it was a clarion call to arms, especially for Black voters in Detroit. How do we respond to an agenda that seeks to strip away our progress, and what role will Black Michiganders play in pushing back against these threats?
Michigan, a crucial swing state, holds significant weight not just in terms of electoral votes but because of Detroit—a city with the largest Black population in America. For generations, Black Detroiters have stood at the frontlines of civil rights, labor movements, and political power. This year’s Democratic National Convention isn’t just about political theater; it’s a critical moment in the ongoing battle for rights that disproportionately impact Black communities. Vice President Kamala Harris, stepping into her role as the party’s nominee for president, is a historic symbol of Black resilience and hope in the face of systemic challenges.
To no surprise, Donald Trump stepped into Michigan for an event on Tuesday tied to the theme of, “Make America Safe Again” with a calculated purpose, even if his campaign denies it. On the very day the Democratic National Convention launched its most pivotal moments in Chicago, Trump chose Howell—a city tainted by a Ku Klux Klan history—as the backdrop for his rhetoric. That fact alone speaks volumes about the intersection of race, power, and the fight for America’s soul. The choice wasn’t accidental, and anyone familiar with Michigan’s political landscape knows better than to dismiss it as mere coincidence. Trump’s presence there, on the same day as the DNC’s most critical speeches, sends a chilling message. Is this a dog whistle to far-right extremists or a calculated move to divide the electorate? And how does this affect the Black voters in Michigan who know all too well the history of racism that continues to plague their communities?
Just last month, masked demonstrators marched through downtown Howell, spewing hate and invoking the names of Hitler and Trump in the same breath. For Black Michiganders, especially those in Detroit, this election is not just about politics—it’s about survival. Can we afford to ignore the fact that Trump’s rhetoric and policies continue to embolden these dangerous elements?
Just as the echoes of Fannie Lou Hamer’s impassioned plea for equality still resonate 60 years later, the DNC’s messaging this year is crystal clear: Black Americans, especially in cities like Detroit, are not just a voting bloc; they are the backbone of the party’s vision for the future. Harris embodies that vision, and her roots in the struggle for justice—both racial and economic—make her an essential candidate for these turbulent times.
Trump’s ties to movements like Project 2025, championed by the far-right Heritage Foundation, illustrate the stakes of this election cycle. Project 2025 isn’t just another policy handbook; it’s a blueprint for the erosion of rights that Black Americans fought so hard to secure.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are stepping into their moment at the DNC with a clear message: This is a fight for the soul of America. Harris, who made history as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the vice presidency, now stands on the precipice of an even greater milestone. But her candidacy represents a critical shift in the Democratic Party’s focus.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock also took the stage, tying the insurrection of January 6, 2021, directly to the ongoing fight for democracy. His words served as a reminder that the forces of white supremacy, voter suppression, and authoritarianism are not just relics of the past—they are very much alive and well today. And with Michigan’s history of Black political activism, how will Warnock’s warnings about voter suppression resonate with Detroit’s Black community, especially as Project 2025 looms on the horizon?
Beyond the soaring rhetoric, this year’s DNC has placed a laser focus on labor rights—a critical issue for Michigan, the birthplace of America’s labor movement. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain’s passionate endorsement of Kamala Harris speaks directly to Detroit’s working-class roots. His condemnation of Trump as a “scab” highlights the stark contrast between the two candidates. While Trump courts white, blue-collar workers with hollow promises, Harris stands with unions, advocating for the rights and dignity of all workers. How will this play out in Detroit, where Black workers have historically been a backbone of the labor movement? And with the support of the UAW and SEIU, how can Democrats continue to build upon this legacy to ensure Black Detroiters see tangible benefits from their leadership?
The history of Detroit is inseparable from the history of Black labor, civil rights, and political activism. The Great Migration brought Black families to Michigan in search of better lives, and they became the driving force behind the state’s labor unions and economic engine. Today, Detroit remains a vital center of Black political power, and the stakes for this election could not be higher. How will Kamala Harris’ message of empathy, justice, and labor solidarity resonate with a city that has long been a battleground for these very issues?
Fannie Lou Hamer’s legacy as a fierce advocate for Black political participation was invoked multiple times during the DNC’s first night. Harris, poised to accept the Democratic nomination, stands in the same tradition of Black women who have fought for justice and equality against all odds. This isn’t just about making history; it’s about ensuring that the rights Hamer fought for aren’t erased by the far-right agenda outlined in Project 2025.
As the DNC continues, the energy in Chicago is palpable. Michigan Senator Gary Peters spoke about the importance of Harris’ authenticity in winning over voters in his state. “Michigan is a Midwestern state where people value leaders who speak from the heart,” Peters said. Harris’ ability to connect with voters on a personal level could be the key to winning Michigan, but the real question is how this authenticity translates into policy that directly benefits Black communities in Detroit.
The Democratic National Convention is more than just a gathering of politicians—it’s a battleground for the future of America. For Black Detroiters, the stakes are clear: This election will determine whether the rights they have fought for, from labor protections to civil rights, will be upheld or dismantled. The choice between Harris and Trump couldn’t be starker.
As we reflect on the speeches, the energy, and the stakes, one thing is clear: Black Detroiters have the power to shape the outcome of this election.
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