On August 19th, the 2024 Democratic National Convention will commence its historic week of events, signaling a shift in partisan power. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the Windy City, influencing the fashion choices of attendees, especially Black politicians and public figures who understand the impact of visual presentation. Chicago, which has long been a crucible for Black thought and cultural production, is bracing for a seismic moment in the nexus of policy, coalition-building, and styling across disciplines.
The is still being confirmed, but that does not halt the expectation for high-adrenaline moments soon taking place in the same iconic home arena of the Chicago Bulls. A similar fervor will be mirrored during the convention, where sportsmanship will take a different ideological and stylistic form. Every address and every vote cast will be a moment to demonstrate the directional tide of the Democratic party and the 2024 Presidential Election.
Furthermore, the DNC will reflect a niche embodiment of Chicago’s rich legacy within the broader Black Renaissance. For candidates and their affiliates, public opinion on fashion design and styling is not superficial but deeply connected to perceptions of credibility and electability. In the case of the 2024 Presidential Election, where Biden’s unprecedented decision to step aside has opened the door for a candidate with multiple “firsts” in identity, fashion will play a crucial role in shaping public perce.