Kerry-Edwards campaign announced that Barack Obama, Illinois state senator and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, will deliver the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.  He will speak Tuesday, July 27.   If elected, he will be the only Black in the 100 member U.S. Senate.
   
"Barack is an optimistic voice for America and a leader who knows that together we can build an America that is stronger at home and respected in the world," said Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry.  "He is addressing the most diverse convention in Democratic party history," added Alice Huffman, convention chairperson.  Obama is the son of a Kenyan and an American woman.
                       
"I am honored and humbled to deliver the keynote address at this year's Democratic National Convention and look forward to sharing with America the hopes and dreams of so many people throughout Illinois that I have met during this campaign," said Obama. "America is excited about the new direction our country can take under the leadership of John Kerry and John Edwards, and I am ready to work with them to make it happen," he continued.