The Congressional Black Caucus Foundations Annual Legislative Conference

As a part of my government affairs internship with Marathon Petroleum Corporation I had the opportunity to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference.  Marathon had four employees from their regional offices travel to D.C. to attend the conference on behalf of MPC. The conference consisted of issue forums sponsored by members of the Congressional Black Caucus which focused on encouraging African American involvement in business and the public service sector while fighting the civil and social injustices many African Americans continue to endure. The conference cultivated on Saturday evening with the Phoenix Awards Dinner, a black-tie event, featuring President Barrack Obama as the keynote speaker.

I attended forums with the MPC employees specifically related to energy, science and technology, business and STEM education. My favorite forum was a science and technology Brain Trust emphasizing STEM education and employment sponsored by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Ranking Minority Member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. The Brain Trust consisted of two panels: the first, “A Day in the Life,” featured positive role models in the fields of math, engineering and science to share their personal stories of struggle and triumph; and the second, “Diversifying Silicon Valley,” highlighted personal testimonies from prominent STEM businesses to discuss the critical role STEM fields will play in jobs of the future. I found this forum especially interesting because Ohio State’s President Drake was a member of the first panel of speakers. I enjoyed hearing him speak about his medical and professional careers and how he was able to triumph over the struggles he endured along the way. This was the first time I’ve had the opportunity to see President Drake or hear him speak because I have not been in Columbus since he began his tenure as President and I’m glad I was able to attend this forum and learn about him before I graduate from Ohio State this December.

The MPC employees and I were also given a personal tour of the Capitol Building led by a member of Congressman Randy Weber’s (R-TX) staff. The tour consisted of the Crypt, the Rotunda, the old Supreme Court room, the old Senate chambers, and the Hall of Statues. In addition, MPC employees were given the special privilege of standing on Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) balcony which overlooks the Capitol Hill reflecting pool and the National Mall.

 

The view from Speaker Boehner's Capitol Building office balcony.

 

Saturday evening concluded the conference with the extravagant Phoenix Awards Dinner to celebrate individuals who have positively impacted the African American community. President Obama delivered the keynote address where he acknowledged his esteemed colleague, former Attorney General Eric Holder, for his notable effort to eliminate the social injustices facing the African American community. Holder, who was amongst audience members, received a warm round of applause. I am truly grateful I was able to attend the CBC ALC. I was inspired by all the personal stories about hard-working and accomplished individuals who endured hardships throughout their careers but still managed to prosper and now dedicate their lives to helping others do the same. I also really enjoyed hearing President Obama speak at the Phoenix Awards Dinner and I hope to attend the conference again in the future.  

This is me, right before I went to the Phoenix Awards Dinner with keynote speaker, President Obama.

 

-Sarah Spaulding