Three FAMU students intern with Congressional Black Caucus

Three FAMU students, Jonathan Moses, Rashaad Mayes and Maurice Jackson, interned on Capitol Hill through the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Congressional Internship this summer.

Moses, a senior business administration student from Miami, Fla., interned in the office of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson; Mayes, a 5th year architecture student from Jacksonville, Fla., is interning with Congresswoman Corrine Brown; and Jackson, a senior studying business administration from Miami, Fla., interned with Congressman Alcee Hastings. The students arrived in D.C. on May 26 for the nine-week program, which culminated July 27.

Mayes was elated to learn of his admission into the prestigious internship program. The 40 members of the Congressional Black Caucus each select one student from their home district to participate. Since Mayes is from Jacksonville, the competition was stacked to work with Congresswoman Brown, a FAMU alumna.

“To be here on the hill is a blessing because the program really exposes you to a variety of experiences which will prepare you for your future,” said Mayes. “I got to write an actual statement for the congresswoman that she read in front of the Veteran’s Affairs committee. I’ve attended receptions where lobbyists come to meet the elected officials. The networks that you build here can get you anywhere.”

Moses knew his foundation as a FAMU student, and being active in student government prepared him for the opportunity to work in politics. However, nothing compared to actually walking the halls of Congress, having lunch with civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis, and participating on the discussions of the Zimmerman trial with legislators in position to make a difference. Each is an experience he won’t soon forget.

“Working with Congresswoman Wilson during the Trayvon Martin case, which falls in her district, has been so enlightening,” said Moses. “If we don’t vocalize the inequalities, they won’t get heard. Every day she fights for jobs and fights for Americans that don’t have opportunities. That’s something I want to do as well.”

Jackson said he learned a lot through sitting in on the different briefings of Congressman Hastings, another FAMU alumnus. As an aspiring entrepreneur with a goal to open a non-profit organization to teach financial literacy in low-income communities, Jackson was inspired by attending a rules committee meeting, as a bill was discussed before it hits the floor.

 “We actually get to see them do what they are elected to do and everyone is so passionate about their side of the issue and whether or not the bill would be effective,” said Jackson. “It’s eye-opening to see the process up close.”