Glenn Charles Jr. is making history at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. As the first Black contractor to oversee major infrastructure for the event, he’s leading the charge in minority inclusion. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for diversity in political conventions.
Breaking Barriers at the DNC
Charles Jr., president and CEO of Show Strategy, is responsible for building tents and providing rentals. His role is crucial to the convention’s success. “We all figure we can sleep sometime in December,” he joked, highlighting the intense workload.
Born and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Charles Jr. represents local talent. His selection underscores the DNC’s commitment to diversity. It also showcases Chicago’s rich pool of minority business leaders.
Diversity Goals Exceeded in DNC Contracting
The Chicago host committee set ambitious diversity targets for the convention. They aimed for 40% of major contracts to go to minority or women-owned businesses. Impressively, they surpassed this goal, reaching nearly 50%.
Keiana Barrett, a senior advisor for the host committee, emphasized the intentional nature of this achievement. “We’re demonstrating what meaningful diversity, equity and inclusion can really look like,” she stated. This approach sets a new standard for future political events.
Local Minority Businesses Shine
Juan Teague, owner of Juan and Only, is another success story. Her Black-owned firm will produce the largest official DNC welcome events. Teague praised the organizers for being “true to their word” about including minorities.
The DNC’s inclusive approach extends beyond major contracts. They’ve created a vendor directory with over 3,000 local businesses. More than half of these self-identify as minority-owned. This initiative aims to spread economic benefits throughout Chicago’s diverse communities.
Economic Impact and Community Involvement
Estimates suggest the DNC could bring $150-200 million to Chicago’s economy. While some debate these figures, the potential for local businesses is clear. The host committee has organized neighborhood tours and events to showcase Chicago’s diversity.
Charles Jr. recognizes the historical significance of his role. “On August 19th through the 22nd, we will be watching history, and we had a piece in building history,” he said. His enthusiasm reflects the pride felt by many involved in this groundbreaking event.
