Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Na'ilah Amaru

PHILADELPHIA, July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- I was born on a dirt floor to a woman whose name I will never know. What I do know is that she loved me enough to give me up, so I could live the life she wanted for me. A life without hunger or despair, filled with hope, education, and opportunity.

As a baby, bundled up in the hopes and dreams of my mother, I began a new life in a faraway land called America. I was raised by two women, and learned early on about intolerance and hatred. But I also learned about the power of love, faith and hope.

The first time I saw Hillary, she was on TV addressing a panel of men with such confidence and ownership of self. Her poise and presence fundamentally changed how I would claim my own space in the world. I was 11.

Seven years later, my belief in America inspired me to raise my hand and solemnly swear to defend her ideals with my life. I joined the Army as an ammunition specialist and gave the best of myself to a country that had given me so much. I returned from Iraq deeply committed to restoring the faith of America's Promise — for everyone.

Tonight, in the birthplace of our nation, we renew our commitment to democracy with an historic step toward gender equality. Reflected in broken shards of glass, and Hillary herself, we can see the dreams of our daughters. This is America's promise.

Along my journey, I have called California, Texas, Georgia, and New York home. And I know that what connects us runs far deeper than what divides us.

So, if you can hear my voice tonight, join me and everyone in this hall, by texting HILLARY to 47246 — as we move forward, together.

As an immigrant, a combat veteran, a woman of color, and my mothers' daughter, I stand here to say that I believe in America's promise, and that is why it is my honor to nominate Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and my Commander in Chief!

As an immigrant, a combat veteran, a woman of color, and my mothers' daughter, I am American. My story is our story. The story of America.

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SOURCE 2016 Democratic National Convention Committee

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