CHICAGO — The capacity at the United Center in Chicago is 23,500. This week at the Democratic National Convention, it’s filled with VIPs, political royalty, and Dr. Pamela Grayson.
“One of my goals in coming here was to learn because in South Dallas we’re getting killed. People will not vote,” she said.
Grayson is one of the 273 Texas delegates in Chicago this week.
She lives in Dixon Circle, a neighborhood in South Dallas that struggles in many ways – especially in voting.
“I’m going to tell you who said it best; Charlamagne tha God. He said this election is between the crooks, the cowards and the couch. The crooks – you know who they are – 34 felonies. The cowards – the Democrats. We don’t seem to be doing it right or doing enough. And the couch? Voter apathy,” Grayson explained.
Attending the DNC, she hopes, might help her reduce apathy in her community.
Delegates spend the day in workshops learning political strategies and best practices. At night, the United Center lights up as a political pep rally.
Grayson’s son Blade, 12, got to join her on Tuesday – scoring one of the rare guest passes to see Barack Obama address the convention.
At one point on Tuesday, the fire marshal in Chicago had to close access to the floor because too many people were on it.
Thursday night is the big finale at the DNC when Kamala Harris accepts the historic nomination as the first woman of color to be nominated for president of a major political party. Because of that, getting inside the United Center is the hottest ticket in town.
“The lines are wrapping around the building to get inside – even for delegates. Tomorrow is going to be the capstone of all of that and we’re excited to see Kamala Harris stand before us and deliver – like she always has,” said Kardal Coleman, chairman of the Dallas County Democratic Party.
And South Dallas will have a seat in the house – a mother and son from a neighborhood not known for politics – watching political history happen in Chicago.