Scholarship Session #2 (Wednesday)

At this meeting I was given the chance to meet one of our state delegate which was Ashanti F. Martines.
What I learned from hearing him talking was the importance of his role as a state delegate and what he can do for us as a community. At this meeting we were also given the opportunity to ask him any questions that we may had about the past election, and any concert we had about our future president; Mr.Donald Trump. I learned a lot this meeting session and was also given a scholarship shirt :)

Ashanti Martinez a legislator came to speak to us about our civic involvement with the community. He discussed how he represents the community, how legislators decide on bills, and how we the people can develop a relationship with our local county and representatives.

This event was very insightful. I didn't have much information about the civic engagement before but now I can say I have a decent understanding. I was nice to meet Ashanti Martinez and what he does for the state. It was also nice to hear his story.

Today we had the chance to speak with Ashanti Martinez who works in the Maryland house of delegates legislative with district 22.

We had the chance to hear his story of home he got to the position he’s in . he talked about him getting sworn it with his mom and dad and brother by his side etc

He mentioned how he’s about of the LGBTQ community and was the first to be apart of the team .

I also got the opportunity to ask questions about the election my question was “ If Trump is known as felon how can he elect to become president but felons can’t elect or vote “ . I don’t remember what all he said but some of it made since .

After everything was over I talked to him to see what he can do to prevent people from coming to our community to not harass us. Recently there has been two acts that lead to someone coming in the restroom of the women and to someone coming and slapping and yelling through the halls of one of our buildings. He told me to email him on some things I believe could help and prevent that from happening.

I learn't that we as people hold the power and not the people in the state delegate office because without us they carry out their work

During this event, we talk about what is the speaker's job is and how he trying to change the legislation to help represent the community. Especially when he is the first known LGTQ member as a representative. Then we talk about any other questions we may have for the election of 2024 results. Overall, it was an alright event that helped me understand that the delegates are trying to help improve the community specifically during this time.