SC delegate in Philly marvels at a ‘convention floor that looked like America’

Beverly Frierson is an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention from South Carolina. Frierson, 64, is a retired teacher in Richland County school districts 1 and 2 and Fairfield County. She lives in Columbia.

Delaine and I are on the bus for the last day of the Democratic National Convention. As we travel to participate in the historic night wherein Hillary Rodham Clinton will officially accept our nomination to become President of the United States, we reflect on the differences between our convention and that of the Republicans.

While waiting for the elevator to get to our floor in the hotel, Delaine noticed that there was more diversity in that line than what she observed at the Republican convention. The convention floor looked like America - black, white, Hispanic, young, old, LBTGQ, disabled - they're all a part of the convention, just as they are all part of America.

It is beginning to rain gently as we ride to the Wells Fargo Center. I can not help but think of the fact that a gentle rain is sometimes followed by a raging storm.

As I listened to the Republican nominee for President, I heard the language of doom and gloom, and I heard the code words and phrases of hatred, bigotry, racism, and divisiveness.

I realize that our nation is not perfect, but I believe in the talents, resources, and strengths of our diverse nation. I truly believe that we are "Stronger Together."

I do not have an advance copy of Hillary's speech, but I strongly believe that it will uplift and inspire the nation.

I envision that it will reveal specific and substantive plans for our great nation.

Last, I think of a bracelet we received this morning at our breakfast caucus. It included these three words: "Prayer, Peace, and Protection." These are among the blessings we too wish for our nation.