(CHARLOTTE) -- The gavel falls to begin the 2012 Democratic National Convention Tuesday afternoon at 5:00. Gov. Bev Perdue is expected to speak at around 6:00 pm.  Charlotte Mayor Anthony Fox is also on the schedule of speakers during the early evening.

First Lady Michelle Obama will cap off the evening with a speech.  North Carolina dlegate Elaine McCollum believes the first lady is a key member of the obama administration.

"I think she has been an ambassador for her husband," said Mccollum.  "I see them as a team."

Other Convention attendees like Kirk Clay, who traveled from Washington, D.C., is eager for the Convention to begin. "This is a magical moment for not just the African American community but all of America," said Clay. "I believe that what this President has done for us has really put us on the right path."

Thousands of people braved the heat for a kickoff celebration in Uptown Charlotte on Monday.