August 22, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elected, Progressive, and Black Leaders Sign Open Letters Urging Harris-Walz Campaign to Provide DNC Speaking Slot to a Palestinian-American

Signers write on loss of inclusivity, solidarity by denying speaker slot

CHICAGO, IL — On Thursday, dozens of progressive, elected, and Black leaders signed open letters to the Harris-Walz campaign urging them to reconsider the DNC’s choice to deny a Palestinian-American from speaking at the convention this evening.

The letters stress the importance of recognizing Palestinian American voices, particularly in the fight against right-wing authoritarianism and in building a multiracial coalition necessary for victory in November. 

The full letter from progressive leaders can be found here, the full letter from Black leaders can be found here, and the full letter from elected leaders can be found here.

The letter from progressive leaders, in part, reads:

“As leaders and groups committed to the fight for a more just world, here and abroad, we write with deep concern about the Democratic National Committee’s decision to deny a speaking slot to a Palestinian American at the 2024 Democratic National Convention… Recognizing the pain of Palestinian Americans is both morally necessary and strategically sound to defeat the MAGA movement in November. Campaigns, at their core, are about building coalitions. To build a winning coalition, it is essential that all the constituent parts of that coalition feel seen, heard, and valued. By excluding Palestinian American voices from the convention, we fear that a critical opportunity to foster inclusivity and solidarity is being lost.”

The letter from Black leaders, in part, reads:

“Blocking Palestinian American voices from the DNC stage recalls the summer of 1964, when Fannie Lou Hamer and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party were denied a voice at the Democratic Convention for the sake of the appearance of party unity. We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

The letter from elected leaders, in part, reads: 

“By including a Palestinian speaker, the Democratic National Convention would not only honor our commitment to inclusivity but also provide an opportunity for these deeply personal and painful narratives to be heard. Just as we have collectively mourned and stood in solidarity with hostage families who have endured unimaginable grief, we must also offer compassion and understanding to Palestinians who have suffered under indiscriminate bombing.”

Signers of the letter from progressive leaders include multiple Democratic and Uncommitted delegates, the Vice-President of the Chicago Teachers Union, the Co-Founder of IfNotNow, the Executive Director of People’s Action, and the CEO of Bend the Arc.

Signers of the letter from Black leaders include Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks; LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund; Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter; filmmaker Ava DuVernay; and Dorian Warren, the Co-President of Community Change Action.

And signers of the letter from elected leaders include Durham County Chair Nida Allam, North Carolina; Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Michigan; Congressman Chuy Garcia, Illinois; Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, Delaware; and Delegate Sam Rasoul, Virginia.

The Working Families Party is the grassroots political party of the multiracial working class, fighting for a nation that cares for all of us. Over the past twenty-six years, it has elected thousands of progressive leaders at every level of government in states across the country. 

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