What started out as a regular Tuesday afternoon journalism class for eight University of Miami graduate students evolved into an inspiring excursion thanks to Democratic National Convention volunteer Carmen Morris.
“Working with the press is a natural thing for me,” Morris said. “Politics is the bedrock of many issues that face us, so we must be involved to make sure that our participation counts for something.”
Morris, 65, is a marketing manager, co-founder of the South Florida Black Journalists’ Association and veteran volunteer who led a small class of students on a virtual behind-the-scenes look into one of the country’s most significant political events. She volunteered on the convention’s democratic communications team, serving as an assistant to the media.
The DNC only takes place every four years. It was held this year on August 19-22 at Chicago’s United Center, drawing in around 50,000 attendees including 15,000 media members from around the world. Morris’ primary role was in the press tent, where she helped journalists access essential information and navigate the venue. With over 100 volunteers on the communications team alone, she assisted with media from outlets including CNN, Telemundo, ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, while taking students partially along the journey with her via Zoom.
“My goal was to make sure that the door was open wide enough for them (students) to see inside,” Morris said. “That way these young journalists can be intentional about if they want to enter this sphere and are aware that it is there for them.”
The virtual tour gave UM students unprecedented access to the inner workings of the DNC. From meeting prominent names in television like Lester Holt to witnessing the sheer scale of media coverage firsthand, many say they were left in awe.
“I came into the day with no expectations,” said Noah Gulley, 21, a UM journalism graduate student. “I was blown away by how easily Carmen took us around to so many incredible people and hearing from Lester Holt about his hopes for future journalists was especially inspiring.”
For Morris, working in a fast-paced environment and making quick introductions came as second nature. This year’s convention marks her third time working with the DNC. She also volunteered in 2008 and 2016 before being invited to return for 2024, and said she is driven by her late mother’s influence who as an immigrant from Jamaica, instilled an importance of civic participation that Morris aims to pay forward to future generations.
Dara Karadsheh, 22, another student on the tour, said that Morris’ enthusiasm and excitement to talk to the class made a lasting impression, noting that the virtual tour left her feeling more empowered than ever.
“Everything we’re doing, while it is hard work and long hours, is serving a greater purpose to our society,” Karadsheh said. “It reminds me of my civic duty and the duty to myself and those around me to seek the truth and report it.”
Morris said her motivation for talking to students stems from a place of empathy. She recalls her time as a journalism student at Howard University, realizing that many students and people in general lack the opportunity of exposure to such high-profile events.
“When I was that age, I never knew,” Morris said. “I wanted students to see what the possibilities can be.”
Morris said that despite the high stakes and extreme security measures involved at the DNC, including helicopters flying overhead and FBI agents on the ground, the atmosphere was surprisingly calm and beautifully united.
“There were no protests this year,” Morris said. “Everyone came together behind Kamala, so this is now our opportunity.”
For those eight UM journalism students, the tour offered a glimpse into their potential future careers and the realities of high stakes political journalism.
“Seeing this all in real time made an impact on me as someone who wants to pursue a career in this field,” Gulley said.
Morris said everything about her time at the 2024 DNC as well as hosting this virtual tour for young journalists felt like a mission accomplished.
“I was pleased to give students a bird’s-eye view of what is happening in the background, and how strategic and organized things must be to present the information the general public needs to know,” Morris said.
