Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun had the honor of casting Illinois’ votes during the traditional roll call Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention, helping nominate Joe Biden for president.
During a convention that has been forced to go virtual, Moseley Braun stood before the Old State Capitol in Springfield in a pre-taped thirty second segment. It’s the same location where Barack Obama launched his presidential candidacy and also where he announced Joe Biden as his running mate. The building is also where Abraham Lincoln delivered his House Divided speech.
Moseley Braun is the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
While the roll call often touts points of pride in various states before getting around to announcing the votes, the former senator used the convention platform to touch on an issue of racial discrimination. She called attention to lending practices that have denied many Black Americans the opportunity to own a home.
“Joe Biden has a plan to end racist lending practices and help more people of color achieve the American dream of owning a home,” she said. “This isn’t just about racial justice. It’s about stronger communities and more economic security for working families.”
Moseley Braun then announced 59 votes for Bernie Sanders and 122 for the party’s nominee, Joe Biden.
Moseley Braun served one term in the U.S. Senate. After a primary upset over longtime politician Alan Dixon, she lost in 1998 to Republican Peter Fitzgerald. The seat is now held by Democrat Tammy Duckworth. Moseley Braun later served as Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.
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