Ohioan is oldest Democratic delegate

Reporter Laura Bischoff spoke with Gilliam at Tuesday morning’s Ohio delegation breakfast at the Democratic National Convention.

Gilliam spoke about how she herself helped pave the way for Hillary Clinton to be in this position today. Gilliams said she was able to break the glass ceiling in the 1940’s during World War II. She wants to see Hillary Clinton break the “ultimate glass ceiling.”

“I’ve waited 93 years for this. I thank God I’m here,” said Gilliam.

EARLIER REPORT:

Ruby Gilliam is 93 — going on 94 — and has been to eight Democratic conventions.

But this one is special to her.

Gilliam, whose daughter Rachel Wilson lives in Moraine, got to open the convention activities Monday by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I’ve never been so honored in my life,” said Gilliam, who is also a World War II veteran.

Gilliam is the oldest Democratic delegate attending in Philadelphia. While legions of Bernie Sanders fans are protesting against Hillary Clinton, Gilliam is adamant about her position: “I’m here to nominate Clinton for president,” she said.

To get to Philadelphia, Gilliam traveled seven hours on a bus with other delegates from her home in Carrollton, Ohio.

“I know everything that goes on,” she said of the wisdom she’s gathered through the years. “You’re not going to pull anything over my head.”