A mounting chorus of elected Democrats, activists, and party members are urging the Harris campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to provide a platform for a Palestinian speaker during the final night of the DNC. The push for inclusivity and recognition of the Chicagoland Palestinian community, described as one of the largest in the country, has garnered support from a dozen congressional Democrats, influential figures such as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, as well as organizations like the United Auto Workers and J Street.

Representative Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.) emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Palestinian community's humanity on the national stage, stating, "They too deserve to be reflected on the national stage. It's crucial to recognize the humanity of the Palestinian community tonight with a Palestinian speaker." This sentiment was echoed by members of the Uncommitted National Movement, who contend that such a speaker would signal a departure from Biden's stance on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Negotiations surrounding this issue have been ongoing throughout the week, but on Wednesday night, Harris campaign officials reportedly informed one of the leaders of the 30 uncommitted delegates, Abbas Alawieh, that no Palestinian speaker would be included. This decision has been met with disappointment and sparked activism, with Alawieh staging a sit-in alongside other organizers. Members of Congress, including Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), joined the sit-in, while Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Cori Bush (D-Mo.) showed their support via FaceTime.

Several Democrats, such as California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna and Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman, argue that denying a Palestinian speaker perpetuates the erasure of the Palestinian story and voice. Romman, who has been suggested as a potential speaker, submitted her proposed speech to the DNC for consideration.

Despite initial hope that Harris's nomination would bring stronger support for Palestinians, recent developments have dashed those expectations for many in the movement. Members have been demanding not only a speaker but also an official adoption of ending arms sales to Israel.

The absence of a Palestinian speaker has prompted organizations like Muslim Women for Harris-Walz to voice their concerns, with the group stating that without representation on this issue, they cannot continue their support. Their stance has underscored the growing call for inclusivity and recognition of Palestinian voices within the Democratic Party.

Well-known figures, such as MSNBC host Chris Hayes and acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, have also weighed in on the matter. Hayes expressed his support for a Palestinian speaker after being moved by emotional speeches from other individuals, emphasizing the importance of a diverse range of voices. Coates, in a published column, called on Democrats to grant Palestinian Americans the right to speak for themselves, highlighting the disparity in narrative representation.

The Hill has reached out to both the Harris campaign and the DNC for comments on the matter. As the DNC continues, it remains to be seen whether the mounting pressure for inclusion will lead to a change in plans.

In an environment where discussions of identity and collective pain have taken center stage, this growing movement underscores the need for representation and the permission to narrate for Palestinian Americans.