Chicago to Host 2024 Democratic National Convention

Chicago is set to host the Democratic National Convention (DNC) from August 19-22, marking the 26th time the city has done so, with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the nomination to lead the presidential ticket. This event has sparked nostalgia around previous conventions, particularly the tumultuous 1968 convention, which was marred by police violence against protesters. In contrast, the 1996 DNC went relatively smoothly. Local civic agency Gertie is organizing public art activations to highlight community voices and address infrastructure issues in marginalized neighborhoods. As the city prepares for the convention, there are concerns about security and potential protests, especially from the Palestinian community opposing U.S. involvement in Gaza. City leaders view this as a historic opportunity to promote Chicago's strengths while ensuring safety during this politically significant event.