Rep. Kendrick B. Meek Welcomes Liberty City's Youth of America to Washington, DC

Meek Hosts Breakfast in the Congressional Dining Room, Gives Guided Tour of House of Representatives to Students and Chaperones

 

Washington, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek welcomed 25 students and six chaperones from Miami's Youth of America Developmental Learning Center to the U.S. Capitol on June 6th and 8th during the group's five-day trip to Washington, DC.

Meek hosted a breakfast for the Youth of America delegation in the Congressional Dining Room reserved for Members of Congress and their guests, and spoke about the importance of public service and community leadership.

The Youth of America Developmental Learning Center is headquartered in Liberty City.

Meek told the all Black group that because of segregation, "we were not allowed to eat in this dining room, but pioneers like Rep. Adam Clayton Powell (D-NY) of Harlem broke the color barrier opening this room to people from our community who look like you and me."

"We are one America, and we all share the U.S. Capitol," said Meek.

The group of thirty-one students and chaperones traveled to Washington, DC by train and were led by Mr. Walter Hardeman, founder and executive director of the Youth of America Developmental Learning Center, and Dr. Gil Raiford, a retired Barry University professor and a Youth of America volunteer.

Youth of America is a youth crime prevention program, and the students participating in the program attend public schools in Liberty City and Overtown.

"Students that travel have an advantage over those who don’t," explained Dr. Raiford who encouraged the Youth of America Center to seek sponsorship to pay for lodging and travel from Miami to Washington, DC.

The Miami-based Batchelor Foundation funded the trip.

On the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Youth of America group sat in chairs reserved for lawmakers as Meek explained the history of the House of Representatives, the responsibilities and duties of a U.S. Congressman, and answered students’ questions.

"Do you want to be in Congress for life?" asked twelve-year old Jacqueline Dorral.

"I love this job, and the satisfaction of helping people in our community is immeasurable, but I don’t think I want to serve for life," answered Meek with a laugh.

During their visit, the group also toured the National Mall, visited the Smithsonian Museums, and toured the National Cathedral, Spy Museum and Frederick Douglass House.

"The classic architecture style of the U.S. Capitol is really special," said Cynthia Felix, 18, a recent graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High who will be attending Florida State University this fall.

"This trip will change these young people's lives," concluded Raiford. "Their world just got a lot bigger."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (center) and two Youth of America students share a light moment in the Congressional Dining Room.

Youth of America volunteer Dr. Gil Raiford (center) and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (standing) talk to Youth of America students from Liberty City and Overtown during a breakfast in the Congressional Dining Room hosted by Meek.

Congressman Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

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