CHARLESTON, S.C. Four Democratic presidential contenders discussed ways to address the economic problems that plague black Americans during a Saturday presidential forum here, the first state where nonwhite voters will have a key opportunity to shape the race for the Democratic Party s presidential nomination in 2020 .

All four candidates at the event South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg; former Texas Rep. Beto ORourke; and Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey talked up the need to increase access to capital for minority business owners, as well as other recommendations aimed at tackling the persistent wealth gap between white and black Americans, such as student loan forgiveness and affordable housing.

But while all the contenders received good marks for their comments on stage, Warrens performance appeared to have made the biggest impression, earning the senator from Massachusetts a large standing ovation.

She came out gunning for fire and made a connection with the audience that I didnt expect. Its so bizarre because when you see her on TV, [you see] the quick little snippets, but sweet God. I thought she was marvelous, said Joy Vandervort-Cobb, an African-American teacher at the College of Charleston.

Warren opened her remarks at the forum with a tribute to the shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, which occurred four years ago this weekend. She said the American dream remained out of reach for black Americans and touted her plans to cancel student debt for many young people and fund historically black colleges and universities. The senator also plugged her newest proposal, one aimed at boosting minority entrepreneurs by offering federal grants to aid the launch of new businesses.

She then turned directly to the audience and launched into her campaign windup, citing her familys financial struggles as she was growing up in Oklahoma.

Its about building an America where not just those who are born in privilege can succeed, Warren said, explaining her proposed ultra-millionaire tax on the richest Americans.