Posted on 12/19/2025 12:14:31 PM PST by fidelis
PHOENIX — Downtown Phoenix became the center of conservative politics Thursday night as Turning Point USA kicked off Americafest 2025 at the Phoenix Convention Center, marking the first time the annual event has been held since the assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk.
Each December, Americafest draws thousands of attendees from across the country along with prominent conservative figures. This year, Kirk’s absence loomed large over the opening night of the conference, which he created as a celebration of the work done by his nonprofit organization.
Despite that loss, the message from the stage was clear: the mission Kirk started will continue.
The energy inside the convention center was palpable as night one began, with a packed crowd filling the arena to hear from Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, just three months after his death.
“This is a full circle moment for me,” she told the audience. “Two years ago, my husband stood on this stage and said, ‘Here I am. Lord, use me.’”
Erika Kirk took the stage following a tribute video honoring her late husband, reflecting on his impact and the void left behind.
“My husband, he deeply mattered on a multitude of levels, so much so that it proved even more once he was assassinated, how much of a peacemaker he was and how much of a coalition builder he was,” she said.
Members of that coalition traveled from across the country to be in Phoenix for the opening night. Alan and Jackie Clemens made the trip from Alaska, saying they had been planning to attend for months.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for several months, ever since Charlie’s assassination,” Alan said.
The couple said the news of Kirk’s death in September was difficult to process.
“We continued watching just disbelief. It couldn’t have happened. Couldn’t have happened,” he said.
For some attendees, Americafest represents more than a political gathering. Several pointed to Kirk’s emphasis on faith and civil debate as central to his legacy.
“It’s definitely brought people closer with their faith, and it’s helped to bring people together and show them, you know, politics isn’t just about your political stance,” Florida college student, Maya Dykema said.
“That’s what I see in the school I’m working at, is that they’re interested in each other,” Alan Clemons said. “Not that we agree with each other, but they get a debate going, and it’s not angry.”
Erika Kirk closed her remarks by encouraging those in attendance to move forward with purpose, even in her husband’s absence.
“Another moment where you decide not to drift, not to disengage, not to give into cynicism, but to stand up boldly, to be brave, to speak clearly,” she said. “Because that is how we are going to honor Charlie. We are going to honor him, not just with words, but with action.”
Americafest 2025 runs through Sunday. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to deliver a keynote address to close out the event.
Erika Kirk and Russell Brand were the highlight speeches! Good on Charlie for having invited Brand in advance! So refreshing to not have someone that’s part of the usual fray. His speech was the most Christian in both spirit and content.
https://youtu.be/yR-anzSSU3k?si=bq6VBXC4lzEdjCj7
Re: Russell Brand. He also knew how to separate the political from the spiritual when needed - also refreshing.
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