Lottie Shackelford

Thank you, fellow Democrats.

As DNC vice-chair of voter registration and participation, I am honored and humbled to be here sharing this historic moment with you, on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech, as we nominate the next President of the United States, Barack Obama.

As I look around this arena, I am awed by the incredible diversity of the Democratic Party.

This stadium looks like America.

What impresses me most is that we have all come together, united in our efforts to help Barack Obama and Joe Biden win the White House.

Though this is a celebration of our party and our nominee, let's not forget that there are still millions more that must be registered to vote, thousands of doors to knock on, countless rumors to counter, and most importantly, a country to reclaim.

But our hard work will be rewarded.

When Barack Obama is president and Democrats strengthen our majorities all across the country, we will have three things that we have sorely needed after the past eight miserable years: change, hope, and a great Democrat in the White House.