The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago launched on Monday night (August 19) with electrifying speeches, surprise appearances, and powerful performances.
The event featured addresses from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden, alongside performances by Jason Isbell and Mickey Guyton.
However, the night’s biggest moment came with the unveiling of a new campaign ad for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, featuring Beyoncé’s a cappella rendition of “Freedom.”
The ad, which serves as the anthem for the Harris/Walz ticket, struck a patriotic and hopeful tone with images of Americana—from the Dust Bowl to WWII troops and modern-day civil rights protests.
Narrated by Oscar-nominee Jeffrey Wright, the ad reflects unity, resilience, and freedom, contrasting sharply with the darker themes highlighted during the Republican National Convention.
Beyoncé’s voice soared as her track from Lemonade played over powerful imagery of Black Lives Matter protests, LGBTQ+ pride marches, and historic moments like the moon landing.
“Freedom, freedom, I can’t move/ Freedom, cut me loose,” she sings as the video showcases Americans of all backgrounds and abilities. The message crescendos as Harris herself declares, “Extremists want to take us back, but we are not going back!”
The convention, which runs through Thursday (August 22), is a landmark moment as it officially nominates Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian American woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket.
Harris’s surprise running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, also appeared alongside the vice president, adding momentum to a campaign that only recently began after President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race.
The DNC’s star-studded roster includes hosts like Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, and Tony Goldwyn, with musical performances from James Taylor, who was rescheduled after night one, and guests like Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
The convention stands in stark contrast to the RNC’s lineup, which features a range of controversial figures, including Hulk Hogan, Dana White, and Kid Rock.
Notably, Beyoncé’s full support for the Harris campaign contrasts with the resistance faced by Trump, who has frequently been sued or issued cease-and-desist orders by artists opposed to his use of their music.
The Harris campaign’s ad featuring “Freedom” builds on a theme of empowerment and inclusivity, resonating with a broad base of supporters ranging from Olivia Rodrigo and Megan Thee Stallion to Hollywood icons like Jane Fonda, Robert De Niro, and George Clooney.
As the convention continues, the Harris/Walz ticket seeks to inspire voters with a message of hope, unity, and a forward-looking vision for America’s future.
