Health Care and Slavery....Yeah, I know.

Work was interesting yesterday. Since the Senate Finance Committee voted against the Public Option amendment for the Health Care Bill, our phones were ringing off the hook. Congresswoman Lee has been an avid supporter of a robust pubic option so calls came from all over, either expressing disgust or support for the failed amendment. It is always interesting to hear both sides of the spectrum. I received calls from some extremely liberal constituents and some conservative ones too.

While many may think that answering phones is a senseless labor for interns, I think it is helping me build my character. When I leave here, I'm going to know how to be cordial to even the most unruly citizens.

Though my day was mostly answering phones and filing papers, I did have a highlight. I had a discussion about slavery with my colleagues.

One thing you must know about my co-workers is we are very diverse. While most of them attended Ivy League schools, I was very excited to hear their perception on the issue. You can imagine how interesting it was to hear people from from all over the U.S. state their opinion about slavery, reparations, and even civil rights. As we were sitting there discussing slavery and it's affects on the black community, I realized how ignorant I am.

I haven't read as many books or studied the black culture as much as I should. I haven't taken the time out of my life to study my heritage and really analyze the ideas of scholars who have been debating the scars of slavery for over a century. As my co-workers had a educated debate over slavery, I felt bad because people who didn't have that connection to black culture knew more than I. And that's sad.

Coming from a state funded Historically Black University, I should know more about black culture and the black struggle. Shouldn't I? To me, that's a problem. How can I ever try to understand my people or help my community if I can't identify with the struggle?

After my epiphany, I immediately felt charged to do a little more research and learn a bit more about myself. So I have offically begun my search for books that will enlighten me.

I've gotten my three things down, now my new project is to read more.

I've been searching for books on the Internet. Do you have any suggestions? If so, let me know.

Working on Capitol Hill is teaching me more about myself than anything. When I get back to UAPB, I think I'm going to start a book club. ;)

Crazy Mornings

I'm up early this morning to start my busy day. I wake up at 7 a.m. because I have to research today's news and compile press clips for Congresswoman Lee. That's what I'm doing now and I couldn't resist writing about it.

After ALC, I started writing down 3 things that I am going to get done each day, regardless of what gets in the way. Yesterday, it was starting a blog, downloading GRE word onto my iPod and reading a chapter in my text book. And I must say, even though things got in my way, I turned my telephone off and focused on enriching me. I also deleted my facebook account. I know...I know...but facebook has been taking up too much of my time and it's not making me any better. It's just a way for people to get in my business. So they are going to have to start getting my business the old fashion way....THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE.

So, today my list will include jogging (for the first time), writing on my blog, and learning half of the "A" words on my GRE list.

You should try doing those three things too. It's very enriching to know that you got something done that you wanted to do today. Write your list and let me know how it goes.

I'm about to go eat my oatmeal. I'll be back later on today.

Annual Legislative Conference 2009

Today is my first day blogging. During the Annual Legislative Conference, I attended a forum that inspired me to do something that I have been putting off so I decided to write a blog.

ALC was, by far, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I met many black "movers and shakers." I also got the opportunity to help make ALC happen. As a communications intern for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, I spend most of my time being a slave to the powers that be, but I love it. I enjoy the pressure and urgency of Capitol Hill. But ALC week exceeded all of my expectations and required far more dedication than I realized.

ALC began on Wednesday. I was excited but I didn't have to do much. I really felt the pressure on Thursday. I met Valerie Jarrett and a few more people from Obama's administration. But I also had to write articles for the ALC Daily.

I thought writing would come so easy for me but I was so overwhelmed because I wanted it to be perfect. I must say that the final product was wonderful and I was actually proud of myself.

The ALC highlight for me was being able to publish my writing. I loved the attending the conference. I hate that I haven't been attending all my life. ALC and Health Care reform were the hearbeat of the CBC. With ALC out of the way, what will take its place now?