Democrats converge on Denver

DENVER -- Democrats from all 50 states, the U.S. territories and abroad are convening in Denver today as the party begins a historic convention to nominate Barack Obama.

The Daily Voice will be reporting all week from Denver, where we have several reporters stationed throughout the convention. And we've spent the weekend catching up on all the pre-convention events here in the Mile High City.

Before the gavel falls to call the convention into order today, thousands of delegates, reporters, observers and convention watchers have already gathered in Denver for dozens of events, receptions, parties and meetings throughout the city.

On Sunday alone, we ran into Newark Mayor Cory Booker, NBC host Tom Brokaw, Los Angeles Bishop Charles Blake, gospel recording artist Richard Smallwood, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, CNN personalities Wolf Blitzer, Roland Martin and Jamal Simmons, and dozens of others.

One of the highlights of the day was a kickoff press conference at the convention center with Pelosi, Sebelius and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who underscored the strong presence of women at the convention. The role of women has been discussed extensively by convention delegates, many of whom are strong supporters of Hillary Clinton. Clinton will speak to the convention on Tuesday, the 88th anniversary of the day when women gained the right to vote. 

But The Daily Voice also met with a few Clinton supporters who feel that the New York senator was not treated fairly during the campaign and with some Obama supporters who felt that the convention was the time to move beyond the differences from the primary and unite the party. 

Interfaith Gathering

Later that day, Rev. Leah Daughtry, the Democratic Convention CEO, convened an historic Sunday afternoon interfaith gathering that brought together Democrats from various faiths to celebrate the week.

Bishop Blake, an African American minister who serves as presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, almost started a bit of controversy on Sunday when he described himself as a "pro-life Democrat" at the interfaith gathering. Blake went on to chastise his party and the country on the abortion issue and encouraged Democrats to do more to protect the unborn.

Some audience members applauded as Blake spoke, but many others seemed surprised, if not visibly uncomfortable, with the pastor's remarks. What looked like a train wreck waiting to happen was salvaged, though, when Blake went on to chastise pro-life Republicans who he said care more about the unborn than those who are born and living. The mixed audience erupted in thunderous applause at that remark, which seemed to unify the pro-choice attendees with the smaller group of pro-life supporters.  

Black Journalists Convene

Another highlight of Sunday's schedule was a meeting of black journalists, who convened at the Denver Press Club for a reception sponsored by the Colorado Black Journalists Association. 

Actor Giancarlo Esposito spoke at the event, and encouraged attendees to see his new film Gospel Hill with Danny Glover, which was premiering Sunday evening in Denver. Former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders also spoke and encouraged black journalists to help raise the issue of sexual health in the community.

Other attendees at the event included Denver Post editor Greg Moore, CNN contributor Roland Martin, Colours TV Network CEO Tracy Winchester and National Association of Black Journalists founders Les Payne and DeWayne Wickham.

State Delegations Hold Receptions

The Daily Voice reporters also attended state delegation receptions for California, New York, Maryland and Massachusetts. The California and New York delegations are located at the Sheraton Hotel on 16th Street in downtown Denver. The Maryland and Massachusetts delegations are located at the Renaissance Hotel near the former Stapleton Airport.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, one of two African American governors in the U.S., attended a reception for his state's delegates at the Renaissance hotel, while New York Governor David Paterson, also African American, attended two receptions for his delegates at the Sheraton Hotel downtown.

New York Congressmen Charlie Rangel and Jerrold Nadler were joined by dozens of New York's state and local elected officials at a reception for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sunday afternoon at the Sheraton. Other attendees included former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, city council member Letitia James and state senator Bill Perkins.

Convention Schedule

The Convention officially kicks off today at the Pepsi Center when the featured speaker for the evening is Michelle Obama. On Tuesday, Hillary Clinton will speak and try to unify the party by moving her delegates to support Obama. Then on Wednesday, former president Bill Clinton will speak, along with vice presidential nominee Joe Biden.

The week builds to a climax on Thursday when Barack Obama is scheduled to speak in front of 75,000 people at Invesco Field.