By Asia Matthews
Special to the AFRO
Minnesota governor and vice presidential nominee, Tim Walz addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with a speech reflecting on his extensive background in public service and his vision for the future. His remarks emphasized his diverse experiences and the policy initiatives he has championed throughout his career.
“It’s the honor of my life to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States,” he said to a cheering crowd.
Walz, who grew up in Butte, Nebraska, a town with a population of about 400, began his career in education and military service.
His father, a Korean War veteran, died from lung cancer shortly after Walz joined the Army National Guard. Walz served in the Guard for 24 years, a period that he cites as formative in his development as a public servant.
Before entering politics, Walz taught social studies and coached a state champion football team at a Minnesota public high school.
Reflecting on his shift to public service, Walz recounted how his experiences with students and athletes inspired him to pursue a political career.
“They saw in me what I had hoped to instill in them—a commitment to the common good, an understanding that we’re all in this together, and the belief that a single person can make a real difference for their neighbors,” Walz said.
Walz served in Congress for 12 years, where he worked on such issues as rural economic development and veterans’ affairs.
He credited his time in Congress with helping him learn how to work with both parties, which he believes has shaped his approach to governing.
During his speech, Walz made mention of several key policies he has sponsored during his time as governor. These initiatives reflect his administration’s focus on economic and social welfare.
“We cut taxes for the middle class. We passed paid family and medical leave. We invested in fighting crime and affordable housing, and we made sure that every kid in our state gets breakfast and lunch every day,” Walz said.
In his speech, the governor addressed personal freedom and criticized the current Republican agenda, particularly on issues such as the Affordable Care Act, Social Security, Medicare, and reproductive rights.
“It’s an agenda that serves nobody but the rich and most extreme amongst us, and it’s an agenda that does nothing for our neighbors in need,” he said.
Walz also spoke positively about Vice President Kamala Harris, noting her work in various roles, including prosecutor, attorney general and U.S. senator.
“She has never hesitated to reach across the aisle if it meant improving your lives, and she’s always done it with energy, with passion, and with joy,” Walz remarked.
He concluded his speech with a quote from Vice President Harris: “When we fight, we win.”
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