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Groundbreaking delegates chosen for the DNC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All the Democratic National Convention delegates in North Carolina were picked Saturday.

Two of the delegates from the Charlotte area have some unique stories to tell. One woman is even making history.

“I am here to show the nation that North Carolina is not a backwards state,” said delegate Janice Covington.

She was surprised she received so much support at Saturday’s convention.

“I kind of thought I’d get some dissension,” Covington said.

The 64-year-old is the first openly transgender person to serve as a Democratic North Carolina delegate.

“I started crying. They all got up and applauded and hugged me,” Covington said. “(They were the) greatest people I ever met.”

Covington said she’s passionate about representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and she cannot wait to support President Barack Obama in September.

“He’s done more for us than any other president,” Covington said.

Vibhav Kolou, 18, was also surprised when his work campaigning paid off, becoming one of the youngest delegates. The Concord student is passionate about a number of issues, especially college affordability.

With September just a few months away, Kolou is looking forward to one thing in particular: “Just being in that atmosphere with thousands and thousands of other like-minded people,” he said.

Kolou is heading to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall.