Students Have Unforgettable Experience at Black Caucus

Students Have Unforgettable Experience at Black Caucus

For Di’Shea Richardson, attending the 47th Annual Congressional Black Caucus was an experience she’ll never forget. An ASMC senator and PTK member, Di’Shea was one of six Merritt students (13 total Peralta students) invited to attend the four-day September event in Washington, D.C. along with 8,000 other guests. The trip was led by Trustee Linda Handy who supports PCCD students’ attendance every year.

 

The CBC’s conference addresses policies and issues that impact African Americans and the global community by developing leaders to educate the public.

 

During the conference, Peralta’s delegation had the opportunity to participate in many activities, reports Dr. Herbert Kitchen, Director of Student Activities and Campus Life, who served as chaperone. Among the activities, they met with Peralta’s lobbyist, toured the year-old Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, visited Congresswoman Barbara Lee in her office, toured the U.S. Capitol, and met congressmen, senators, educators, community leaders, and other visiting students.

 

For Di’Shea, it was the history she learned that made the biggest impact. “After taking a trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, I feel more empowered and willing to make a difference not only for myself, but for my people,” she says. “It was a great honor to attend the Congressional Black Caucus and to meet such intelligent and strong people who are making a difference every day for the black community and other minority communities.”

Pictured: New Jersey Senator Cory Booker with Gerardo Jeronimo, Iris Martin, and Melanie Diaz (BCC); a quick selfie of Di’Shea Richardson, Montel Floyd, and Ya’Mese Johnson; and Di’Shea with MLK, Jr statue. (Also attending the CBC was Briana Williams)