OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference

Name: Tashiah Singleton

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Management & Leadership

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Conference/Competition Name: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference

Conference Term: Fall Conference Start Date: 2019-09-11 Conference End Date: 2019-09-15

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
I attended sessions on topics including the racial wealth gap, parental choice in K-12 public education, and maternal health disparities for women of color. I was captivated by the alarming statistics shared in one session, “Closing the Racial Wealth Gap: Home Ownership vs. Rates of Student Debt”. My undergraduate thesis focused on faulty public policies that intentionally segregated neighborhoods and promoted discriminatory practices, which led to segregated school districts. However, I was shocked to learn that the current student debt in the U.S. is roughly $1.6 trillion dollars. The data provided helpful context on how the racial wealth gap persists.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
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What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
Now, more than ever, we need to advocate and hold elected officials accountable to re-write laws and public policies that addresses the 400 years of discrimination and racism post slavery in America.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
I encourage anyone reading this entry to expand their awareness and involvement in three simple ways: follow someone on social media who enlightens the collective community, research a local organization and find a way to plug into the work (your passion is the work), and VOTE, not only in the upcoming presidential election, but local elections (street level bureaucrats matter too)!

Wagner Areas of Impact: Government, Inequality, Race, and Poverty