State representative hosts event to inspire African American students to get involved in politics

MADISON (WKOW) — Students from Madison East High School gathered inside of the State Capitol’s Assembly chamber Friday for African American Youth Legislative Day. The event, organized by Rep. Samba Baldeh (D-Madison), celebrated Black History Month and Black success, but also educated students on the importance of getting involved in politics. “These are the future leaders of this country, the future of this community, but the future leaders of the world. So having a good perspective of what our communities would look like, what community service would look like, what civil leaderships would look like, I think is important,” Baldeh said.  His goal of the event was to inspire students to get involved to make change, whether it be in their own community, school or place of worship. He also wanted to celebrate the progress already made.  “Four years ago, there had never been an African immigrant elected to this Capitol. Four years ago, there was never a Muslim elected to this Capitol,” Baldeh said.  Baldeh was joined by Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison) and Rep. Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) to reinforce how important diversity in politics is. Rep. Stubbs told a personal story of the time she was racially profiled while...