VETTE’S VEGAS VOICE: With help from the White House, working to improve education for black students

Yvette Williams

BY YVETTE WILLIAMS

The U.S. Department of Education announced recently that the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans met at the U.S. Capitol “to review strategic goals and discuss its progress to date. The commission … also learn(ed) about any new federal or Department of Education priorities and initiatives impacting the learning and development of African American students of all ages.”

Now, that discussion is coming closer to home. On Oct. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. at Canyon Springs High School, the Clark County Black Caucus will host its 10th Annual Education Forum & African American Student Summit. Held in in partnership with the Clark County School District, the event will be co-hosted by the President’s Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans and Ebony Magazine. David Johns, executive director of the President’s Initiative, will join the gathering to share White House priorities and opportunities or Black student achievement.

Last February, over 125 students engaged local elected officials during the first student summit. Those discussions helped to inform legislators about education policy, and that input is reflected in current legislation.

At this event, members of the community will have an opportunity to interact with decision-makers and learn more about the many programs and changes to education. For more information, visit www.CCBlackCaucus.com.

Yvette Williams is founder of the Clark County Black Caucus. Learn more at www.YvetteBWilliams. com and CCBlackCaucus.com. Follow her on Twitter @YvetteBWilliams and send email to ClarkCountyBlackCaucus@gmail.com.