Today, the Democratic National Committee unanimously passed a resolution calling for a Constitutional Amendment explicitly guaranteeing an individual’s right to vote. After its passage, DNC Vice Chair of Voter Expansion and Protection Donna Brazile released the following statement:

“Last year at the DNC Winter Meeting, we announced the Voter Expansion program to ensure that every eligible voter is registered, every registered voter is able to vote, and that every vote is counted. Today we built on this critical mission by unanimously passing a resolution to amend the United States Constitution to explicitly guarantee Americans’ right to vote.  The Democratic Party stands for inclusion, and we know that we are all better when everyone has a voice in the democratic process. The right to vote is a moral imperative, and I am proud to support this resolution.”

Washington, DC – Today at the Democratic National Committee’s annual winter meeting, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the preliminary findings of the DNC’s Democratic Victory Task Force, an initiative that Wasserman Schultz announced in the days after the 2014 Midterm Election.

The Democratic Victory Task Force’s aim is to conduct a thorough review and assessment of key components of the Democratic Party’s – and related organizations’ – role in recent elections and identify places where the Party can strengthen and improve operations to better serve candidates and constituents in future elections.

Today’s preliminary report recommends specific steps both the national and state Democratic parties can take to improve their performance in future elections, including:

• the creation of a National Narrative Project to work with party leaders, activists, and messaging and narrative experts to create a strong values-based national narrative that will engage, inspire and motivate voters to identify with and support Democrats;
• working with State Parties to build partnership agreements that include training, evaluation, metrics, and incentives and that are focused on ensuring that every State Party is on a pathway to self-sustainability;
• the development of an aggressive, multi-faceted legislative and legal strategy to ensure every eligible American is registered to vote, has access to the polls and has their ballot counted;
• the creation and resourcing of a three-cycle plan, in conjunction with our allies, that targets and wins back legislative chambers in order to prepare for redistricting efforts; and
• the DNC building on its success and playing a proactive role in helping identify, train and foster the next generation of Democratic leaders, especially at the state level.

“The Democratic Victory Task Force plays an important role, consulting people from around the country from all backgrounds, in an effort to continue to strengthen the Democratic Party,” said DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “We are Democrats because we believe in an economy where hard work is rewarded, and because we are focused on building a stronger and more secure middle class.  We have a lot of work ahead, but we know that when Democrats win elections, the middle class wins.”

Appointed members of the Democratic Victory Task Force – Naomi Aberly, Governor Steve Beshear (KY), Donna Brazile, Maria Cardona, Marc Elias, Teddy Goff, Maneesh Goyal, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Rick Palacio, Lee Saunders and Eric Schmidt – solicited input from a wide array of stakeholders, from activists to outside experts to Party Leadership, who helped guide the findings.

The Task Force will produce its final recommendations by mid-2015.

What or who inspired you to get involved in politics?
From an early age I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world and help others around me. During my freshman year at Trinity University I attended my first College Democrats meeting on campus. It was inspiring to interact with other students similarly dedicated to becoming politically active and that aimed to elect democratic candidates that stood for issues essential to the betterment of society such as student loan reform and marriage equality.

Why are you a Democrat?
The greatest trait anyone can learn is empathy. The Democratic Party stands for all Americans regardless of where they come from and what they aspire to be. The Republican Party is a party of obstruction that does not stand for equality for all. One of the biggest problems with the Republican Party is that they have a lack of empathy for millions of struggling Americans. I know I'm a member of the party that stands up for what I believe in and actively works to make life better for all Americans.

Why should young people become involved in politics?
Young people will always be our society's source of social change. We are the generation that through political involvement has the opportunity to advocate for the causes that we personally care about. Political participation is the avenue through which we have the ability to make real change and the Democratic Party provides us with several opportunities to do just that. Young people represent one of the largest voting blocks in the country. Collectively, the youth in America bring a high level of passion to any effort which helps shape the dialogue of the party. The youth vote is a symbol of the force that young people represent in the political system. I firmly believe that millennials represent a powerful voting group that will continue to positively and substantially influence the future.

Young people have been among the biggest supporters of social issues in the Democratic Party for many generations. During the Civil Rights movement young people were on the front lines standing up for equality. Today the battle still continues to advance other social issues affecting Americans today such as marriage equality and combating poverty. I am confident young people will always step up and lead the nation towards achieving great progress.

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History month is a month in which I celebrate the perseverance, triumphs and struggles of my people. It is a month that is meant to honor the important figures that paved the way for me and that has inspired me to pay it forward by helping pave the way for people following in my footsteps. The moments of reflection associated with the month makes it possible for me to become even more aware of my inspiring heritage.

What inspired you to get involved in politics?
The Civil Rights Movement inspired me to get involved with politics. Injustices like systematic disenfranchisement of Black people, segregation, hate crimes, discrimination, and the denial of voting rights were issues that left me wanting to change the law to better the conditions in our community. The only way for me to help change conditions was to get involved and elect people who looked like me, and who would also fight along with me, to improve conditions for the Black community.

Why are you a Democrat?
I am a Democrat because Democrats are more sensitive and connected to issues that are important to me such as improving life for the middle class, a livable wage for working families, compassion for those mired in poverty, to clothe and shelter the working poor and homeless, making sure that jobs are available for everyone, and providing health care for all.

Why should African Americans be involved in political process?
African Americans should always be involved in politics to ensure that the full breadth of the American experience is reflected at all levels of government. When we vote, our collective power combats those who would suppress the vote or gerrymander districts that dilute and weaken  our representation. By voting, we work to reverse the existence of glaring disparities in the education, justice, and the health care systems. The safety and quality of the car you drive, whether you have fresh fruit and vegetables in your local grocery stores, and your job opportunities all depend on your elected representation. Our rights to enjoy full American citizenship are constantly being challenged. It is important for us to be involved in the public policy process to ensure the laws are written to protect our rights.

What does Black History mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to reflect on all the great people and extraordinary leaders who have given us so much. It is an opportunity to highlight crucial historical memories and events in our history. This is a time to educate and share the history and accomplishments of African Americans that are often ignored and not learned about in schools. Black History Month to me means bringing our history which is inextricably intertwined with American History to life.

What inspired me to get involved in politics
I first got involved in politics at the age of nine when I worked to elect a City Council candidate who had promised to build a playground in my neighborhood; the candidate won, the swing set was installed, and a lifelong passion for political progress was ignited.

Why I am a Democrat
In her 1976 keynote address to the Democratic National Committee, Texas Rep. Barbara Jordan said words I will never forget:

“We believe that the people are the source of all governmental power; that the authority of the people is to be extended, not restricted. This can be accomplished only by providing each citizen with every opportunity to participate in the management of the government.

“We believe that the government which represents the authority of all the people, not just one interest group, but all the people, has an obligation to actively seek to remove those obstacles which would block individual achievement — obstacles emanating from race, sex, economic condition.”

That explains why I am a Democrat.

Why protecting the right to vote is important to me
As Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation of the DNC, I want to ensure that every eligible citizen can register, every registered voter can vote, and every vote is accurately counted. As President Lyndon Johnson said, voting is the lifeblood of our democracy. I believe in the marketplace of ideas. I also believe that every citizen should have equal access – through their voice and their vote – to the democratic process. If laws are to affect each of us, then all of us ought to have an input into who represents us to make those laws and what those laws say.

What Black History Month means to me
Black History Month is not simply about the achievements of one demographic group. It’s American History. What started out as a week is now celebrated for an entire month. For over 87 years, noted historian Carter G. Wordson wanted us to focus not just on Black History, but American history, as well. Because it is history we have created together. Black History Month reminds me to re-discover our common history and shared values and to celebrate and honor those who have contributed to our great nation.

Washington, DC— Today, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced Philadelphia will host the 2016 Democratic National Convention the week of July 25, 2016. The DNC signed the final contract with Philadelphia this morning.

“I am thrilled to announce that Philadelphia will host the convention where we will nominate the 45th President of the United States,” Wasserman Schultz said. “In addition to their commitment to a seamless and safe convention, Philadelphia’s deep rooted place in American history provides a perfect setting for this special gathering. I cannot wait to join Democrats across the country to celebrate our shared values, lay out a Democratic vision for the future, and support our nominee.”

The DNC’s Technical Advisory Group evaluated cities across the country, looking at factors such as hotel capacity, transportation, security, financing and logistics.

“The City of Philadelphia is excited and honored to be selected as the host city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter said. “We believe that it was our proven track record of hosting big events safely and efficiently with a dynamic team of top-tier professionals to organize and manage a conference of this magnitude, paired with our City’s tremendous amenities, its accessible location and historical significance, which made Philadelphia the ideal choice for the 2016 DNC.  I want to thank our great team at PHL DNC 2016, Governor Rendell and Governor Wolf, Senator Casey, Congressman Brady, Congressman Fattah, and former Congresswoman Schwartz.  I especially want to acknowledge our great partners in the Labor unions, business and political communities, clergy and our citizens, who are eager to see Philadelphia on the national stage as the host city.  We’re all delighted to make history again, here in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.”

Additional details on the convention structure, host committee, and staff, will be made available in the coming weeks.

What or who inspired you to get involved in politics?
At an early age, I decided I wanted to become involved in politics.  In middle and high school, I became involved in student government issues.  Growing up, my parents discussed politics at the dinner table.  I was interested and subsequently inspired by the stories they shared.  Being a husband and father of two has motivated me to enter public service.  Because of the values and civic activism my parents instilled in me, I strongly believe if we want to see change in our neighborhoods, communities, cities, counties and states, we must be that change and the impetus of change we want to see.

Why are you a Democrat?

As a fifth generation Floridian, I come from a long line of committed and dedicated Democrats.  I became a Democrat because I believe in the party’s principles and its long history of social progression and its opposition to social injustice. I support the party’s core values: its dedication to strengthening families and communities, its advocacy for civil and equal rights for all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation and the right for all Americans to achieve the American Dream and pursue a meaningful life. Democrats have long been known as the party of reason.  We form our opinions based on evidence.  Our values are born from compassion and empathy for our fellow citizen-farmers, union workers, minorities, et al.  It is our responsibility as a community to ensure that tomorrow's generation is prepared for the potential problems that they may inherit. Democrats for generations have believed in helping those in need, especially through programs designed to alleviate poverty.  It has been our Party’s obligation to leave the world a better place for future generations.

What advice would you give to young people that want to run for public office?

I encourage our youth to seek opportunities for civic participation. I encourage the youth to be engaged in the political process and to require that their family, and friends stay informed on political issues and vote.  The greater your participation, the better chance our community will have to thrive in the years to come. Today’s youth are all capable of being productive citizens and great leaders that will make a difference. Our democracy and our voice depend on it.  The choices and decision we make in choosing future leaders will impact the opportunities that will be available for tomorrow.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to honor the legacies of women and men of African descent who overcame tremendous adversities to improve the quality of life for people of color in the United States of America. Black History Month is my favorite month of the year.  It’s the month where Americans can rededicate ourselves and offers an opportunity to honor the contributions of African-Americans throughout our nation's history and celebrate how far we have come in the fight for equality and inspire others to pursue their dreams of achievement and excellence.