Griffin Uribe Brown, a Syracuse University junior from Chicago, studying magazine, news, and digital journalism and policy studies, is reporting for MLive during the Democratic National Convention. He is covering the DNC as part of a program with Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
In 2008, Jason Morgan, who was just 18 years old at the time, had the incredible opportunity to witness then-Senator Barack Obama accept the nomination for president of the United States as a delegate from Michigan. The experience left a lasting impression on him. Fast forward sixteen years, and Morgan found himself on the verge of tears as he watched Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The emotions stirred by this momentous occasion were overwhelming for him.
While Obama delivered his speech to the nation, Morgan, a state representative and vice-chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, observed from the Michigan delegation’s designated area at the United Center. He was surrounded by delegates who were the same age as he was when he first encountered the former president.
According to Morgan, there is a deliberate effort to have more young people as delegates in Michigan. They have made it a priority to have young individuals running for delegate positions in all congressional districts in the state. As a result, a significant number of delegates have been appointed through the state party.
Adam Lacasse, a student at the University of Michigan and the president of Michigan College Democrats, a caucus of the state’s Democratic party and a chartered arm of the College Democrats of America, is among the young delegates attending.
Lacasse immediately noticed a “vibe shift” that caught the attention of young people who were previously uninterested in politics when President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race in July, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to secure the nomination.
Lacasse shared that her inbox and phone were flooded with messages from college students and old high school friends after President Biden announced that Kamala would be the next president. The excitement and anticipation were palpable, with people reaching out after years of no contact to express their enthusiasm.
According to a report from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, Michigan had the highest youth voter turnout in the country in 2022, with a rate of 36.5%. Stella Camerlengo, a student at American University and the communications director for Michigan College Democrats, is optimistic that youth voter turnout will continue to rise in the upcoming November elections.
Camerlengo, donning a neon green “Michigan Democrats” pin inspired by Charli XCX’s “BRAT” album cover, emphasized the significance of the upcoming November elections for young individuals. “I truly grasp the weight of this moment as a young person, and I hope my peers share the same understanding and eagerly exercise their right to vote,” Camerlengo expressed.
Michigan’s delegation, headed by party Chair Lavora Barnes, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, committed to allocating 125 delegates to officially nominate Harris during the convention’s ceremonial roll call on Tuesday.
At the convention, the primary responsibility of the young delegates was to infuse it with their vibrant energy, Lacasse explained. He expressed optimism that witnessing delegates their age on the national stage would motivate viewers at home to engage in politics and join the increasing number of young individuals vying for public office.
During the four-day convention, the delegation kicked off each day with a breakfast at their hotel. State and national party leaders, including U.S. Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries, delivered inspiring speeches during this gathering. In addition, delegates participated in council and caucus meetings held at McCormick Place before the evening programming commenced.
“I had the privilege of being the youngest Michigan delegate back in 2008, when I was just 18. It was quite an overwhelming experience, being at a convention and not fully understanding what was happening,” Morgan shared. “Since then, I’ve made it a point to guide and involve young individuals in these events, ensuring they have the opportunity to attend exciting gatherings and meet inspiring speakers.”
Morgan captured photos of the youngest members of the delegation dancing with U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at an event that took place after the DNC concluded on Tuesday night. He mentioned that he was able to experience the youthful energy and enthusiasm of these delegates throughout the convention.
“I stumbled into politics by accident in 2020,” Lacasse revealed. “And now, as a delegate at the DNC, it’s truly an amazing opportunity for us young individuals to witness firsthand what goes on here.”
