This year’s Women’s Caucus Trip to Washington, D.C. was monumental and sentimental. It would be the final trip that the Caucus would take while Congressman Ed Towns holds seat as the elected representative of the 10th Congressional District. Recently, Congressman Towns announced that he would not be seeking a 16th term after serving 30 years in the United States House of Representatives. So this year’s tripwas historic in nature.
The week began with the Caucus members arriving in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial which was spectacular. The women had the opportunity of meeting, Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president & CEO of the Memorial and Richard W. Marshall, CFO of the Memorial. They took pictures with them in front of the monument. How fitting for the ladies to meet the gentlemen who oversee the tours of the only monument in Washington, D.C. of an African-American, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Later that evening the Caucus members were joined by Congressman Towns and the Washington staff for dinner and conversation.
Wednesday morning, some of the Caucus members visited the White House and met the rest of the members at the African American Museum. By mid-day, the ladies went to Pentagon City Mall and departed for the hotel to dress up for Taste of New York, a favorite event in Washington, hosted by Congressman Ed Towns. “Taste of New York” is an opportunity for Washington D.C. to experience the heart of New York foods including Junior’s Cheesecake, Nathan’s Hot Dogs. In attendance at the Taste of New York were Congresswomen Nydia Velasquez & Carolyn Maloney; and Congressmen Gregory Meeks and John Conyers. Invited guests enjoyed great food with a beautiful skyline view of the Capitol.
Thursday morning, the Caucus members arrived in Washington DC to visit the Capitol and Congressman Towns’ office. A few of the Caucus members attended a mark up on some bills that were pending in the Oversight and Government Reform Hearing Room, which Congressman Towns chaired two years ago where his portrait is so prominently displayed. The Congressman hosted a luncheon for his honored guests and the Caucus members were joined by Congressman Bobby Rush; Congressman Jim Clyburn; Congressman Mel Watts, Congressman Danny Davis; Congresswoman Maxine Waters; and former Speaker Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. The Caucus members had the opportunity to feast and take photos with the members on the Hill. His colleagues shared fond memories of his outstanding work on the Hill.
The Caucus members departed for New York Thursday afternoon but vowed to keep coming to Washington as an invited guest of Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Congressman Towns is the only member who had an annual visit from a local political group from his district.
