Caitlyn Oppong '29: Spelman Day at the Georgia State Capitol (3 Points)

 Spelman Day at the Georgia State Capitol 1/29/26

Attending professional networking events: 3 points

 .

This past Thursday, I, alongside dozens of my fellow Spelman sisters, arrived at the Georgia State Capitol. This opportunity for Spelman to be honored at the Capitol was coordinated by the Atlanta Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC) in partnership with state senator and alumna Gail Davenport. Our presence was not only felt, but Spelman students and alumnae's impact has changed Georgia politics for the better.

As we arrived at the Capitol, we were given time to network with current interns, senators, representatives, and many other professionals in the political science field.  After introductions from senators, representatives, and our own Miss Spelman and President Brewer, we were taken to the Senate Chambers.  We were honored by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, with Senator Davenport giving a speech, reminding us all of the importance of our institution to the state of Georgia. 

One of the most exciting parts of the day was sitting in on the state House of Representatives proceedings. One speech imploring the representatives to stand up for their constituents in the face of fleeting voting rights impacted me the most. With the most recent confiscation of ballots from Fulton County, Black voters are consistently being attacked. I appreciate the representative’s honesty and initiative in advocating for her constituents and bringing light to the current federal situation. Overall, this event allowed me to connect with more Spelmanites interested in public policy and gave me insight into how Georgia’s government operates. I appreciate the NAASC and all those involved for giving me this opportunity.