Thirty two students, chaperones, and CCBC mentors experienced a day in the life of a legislator, learning firsthand how legislation is passed while sitting on the floors of both Assembly and Senate houses. Schools participating included Advanced Technologies Academy, Canyon Springs, Centennial, Chaparral, Cheyenne, Desert Pines, Legacy, and Valley.
The overnight trip provided students with the opportunity to better understand the legislative process in Nevada, address policy and decision makers about concerns important to them, and visit University Nevada Reno campus before heading back to Las Vegas. CCBC representatives provided mentoring and guidance to help walk students through the process, visiting legislators in their office and participating in committee meetings. During a private meeting, Assemblyman Jason Frierson was presented with a special award recognizing his achievement as the first African American to serve as Speaker of the Assembly. Frierson shared his personal story taking questions from the enthusiastic crowd.
The following day students met with Nevada Department of Education for a roundtable discussion with Superintendent Steve Canavero and his leadership team. Students were given the floor to share their concerns, suggestions, challenges and success. Governor Sandoval joined the discussion and greeted each participant personally, then presented his prized Governor’s Coin before departing from a nearly two hour meeting. Students left feeling their comments and suggestions were valued.
The fast paced trip concluded with lunch and a campus tour at UNR, before boarding the bus home. The trip was sponsored by Clark County Black Caucus Education Committee, in partnership with CCSD's Equity and Diversity Department, and community partners 100 Black Men of Las Vegas, United Way of Las Vegas, Operation32371.org, and Nevada Department of Education.
Yvette Williams is a community advocate and Chair/Founder of the Clark County Black Caucus, a non-partisan community organization driven 100% by volunteer members, registered to vote. Follow her on twitter @YvetteBWilliams or contact her at ClarkCountyBlackCaucus@gmail.com for more information.