Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta was one of 17 incoming officials from across the country who introduced Democratic nominee Joe Biden to virtual viewers on Tuesday night during the second night of the party’s virtual convention.
The first-term representative from North Philadelphia, whose district includes Temple University, is the first LGBTQ+ person of color to serve in the General Assembly.
Despite recently entering public office, Kenyatta has already gained fame for his impassioned speeches in the House of Representatives, which sometimes go viral on social media.
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Kenyatta wasn’t the only Pennsylvanian who spoke during the segment. He was joined by fellow Philadelphia U.S. Rep. Brenden Boyle, D-2nd District, and Western Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th District.
“A new generation of leaders is rising,” Kenyatta said during his opening speech, before Lamb finished his sentence: “And with Joe Biden in the White House, there is no limit to what we can do.”
Overall, youthful voices were led by Stacey Abrams, who ran unsuccessfully for governor of Georgia in 2018. She presented to Biden and Democrats a man who helped create the economic success that Trump talks about as their own and who could effectively deal with both the Covid-19 pandemic and a fresh wave of protests against racial injustice.
Historically, convention speeches have been seen as a launching pad for far-reaching political careers – such as that of then-Illinois senator Barack Obama in 2004.
Terry Madonna, a longtime observer of Pennsylvania politics, said he couldn’t recall another Pennsylvania state representative having had such a platform before.
Parts of it were recorded earlier. According to Questioner from PhiladelphiaKenyatta said he would also watch the convention while “sipping tequila at home with his fiancé.”
