Pardee Alumna Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Delivers Speech at 2024 Democratic National Convention
Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies saw one of its alumni take center stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who graduated from the Pardee School in 2011, delivered a speech that has been noted as a significant moment of the evening.
Ocasio-Cortez began her address by reflecting on her personal journey, stating, “Six years ago, I was taking omelet orders as a waitress in New York City. I didn’t have health insurance. My family was fighting off foreclosure. And we were struggling with bills after my dad passed away unexpectedly from cancer.”
The Congresswoman’s appearance at the DNC continues a tradition of Boston University alumni participating in national political events. Nearly five decades earlier, another BU alumna, Barbara Jordan (LAW’59, Hon.’69), delivered a keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention.
In her speech, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of electing leaders who understand the challenges faced by working Americans. She remarked, “To love this country is to fight for its people, all people, working people, everyday Americans like bartenders and factory workers and fast food cashiers who punch a clock, are on their feet all day in some of the toughest jobs out there.”
Ocasio-Cortez also addressed criticism she has faced since entering politics, saying, “Ever since I got elected, Republicans have attacked me by saying that I should go back to bartending. But let me tell you, I’m happy to any day of the week because there is nothing wrong with working for a living.”
The Congresswoman’s speech, while delivered in support of the Democratic ticket, touched on themes of economic struggle and the importance of representation in government that resonate across party lines.
As the 2024 election season progresses, Ocasio-Cortez’s appearance at the DNC marks another milestone in her political career, which began just a few years after her graduation from Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies.
Readers who want to learn more about the upcoming election and how it could affect the world stage are invited to attend the “Beyond the Headlines: America’s Election and Its Global Impact” event. This gathering, held two days after the September 10, 2024 presidential debate, will explore the election process and its potential consequences for international relations. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-headlines-americas-election-and-its-global-impact-tickets-999558695967.