Gaza War Critics Are Inspired By The 1964 DNC — And They're Playing The Long Game

CHICAGO —As the sun went down on Thursday and the sprawling stadium behind her filled with thousands of people gathered for the final night of the Democratic National Convention, Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman stood on a sidewalk and spoke to a few dozen supporters and journalists about her inspiration from 60 years ago.

“They’ll say this is how it’s always been, that nothing can change. But remember Fannie Lou Hamer,” Roman said, referring to the civil rights activist who famously challenged the 1964 DNC. “Shunned for her courage … She paved the way for an integrated Democratic Party. Her legacy lives on, and it’s her example we follow.”

“This historic moment is full of promise, but only if we stand together. Our party’s greatest strength has always been our ability to unite,” Romman continued. “Let’s fight for the policies long overdue — from restoring access to abortions to ensuring a living wage, to demanding an end to reckless war and a cease-fire in Gaza.”

A coalition of antiwar DNC delegates, Democratic lawmakers and progressive groups had hoped she would deliver those words from the convention’s main stage. The alliance had sought speaking time during the convention for a Palestinian American who could highlight their views on the war in Gaza. But on Wednesday, Democratic Party officials said no. And they stood by that decision, even after an all-night sit-in and even as public pressure mounted on Thursday.

On its face, the DNC’s denial was a defeat for the national movement that opposes President Joe Biden’s policy of overwhelming support for Israel’s deadly offensive in Gaza and wants the party’s presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, to change course.

Yet many antiwar voices are citing Hamer to