My little contribution to the convention?
Last September, I was a little gathering in Washington to celebrate the 150th anniversary of The Nation. It was there that I met the Rev. William Barber. The guy is spellbinding as a speaker, and I took the liberty of asking him if he would be willing to speak at the Democratic Convention this year. He said he would be honored. I then contacted the treasurer of the DNC, who is a long time friend. He checked on Rev. Barber, and said that he was known to own the room when he speaks. Andy said he would pass my suggestion on the the convention committee, and, later on, that it was favorably received. That was the last of my input into the matter, but I like to think I got the seed planted and the ball rolling.
When Rachel Maddow, who is no more religious than I am (i.e. not) said she was practically in tears throughout Barber's address, I know she shared my assessment of Barber's speaking ability. He DID own that room.
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I came over to the States for her memorial celebration at the National Press Club in Washington. The place was JAMMED. SRO. A few years before she passed, I had the honor of introducing her to a friend of mine she had never really met, despite her decades of covering politics.
From days past:
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As far as I could tell, the audience also loved it. 
Good for you that you had the foresight to do that!
These little glimpses are always fun. 
