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At the Democratic National Convention, we're starting to hear one phrase over and over again: It's "history in the making for the Democrats," with the first African-American presidential candidate for a major political party. But for Utah's black delegates in Denver, there is something more.
It may seem obvious that there are African-American Utahns who support Barack Obama, but there are also African-American Utahns who don't support him. So, this historical event is going beyond some sort of "brotherhood" feeling. What is it?
I asked that very question to Utah's two delegates who also happen to be black. Their answers were very thoughtful. Right on the convention floor, one of them said it has to do with human rights and opportunities for all people.
The fact is, the very chance to run for office was indeed limited in the past. Now, Obama is being judged as a candidate who happens to be a person of color. To these delegates in particular, that's a big deal.
Kelvin Davis, a Utah Democratic delegate, said, "It's just wonderful. It's a feeling that we really did overcome. We came a mighty long ways, especially in Utah, since 1978 when blacks couldn't even hold a priesthood."
Charles Henderson, another Utah Democratic delegate, said, "I'm not supporting Barack Obama because he's black. Yes, I'm happy that he's an African-American, but I really think he brings the best credentials to the table at this time."
Obama's campaign is confident the nation is ready for a president of color. In fact the signs of change are coming from every state, including Utah, and lots of voters are demanding more.
Polls over the course of the campaign have indicated race is indeed an issue for a lot of people in this election. The question is: how big of an issue will it be on Election Day?
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
