On August 8^th^, Derrick Barksdale, along with 3 othermentors, Kevin Williams, Brandon Thomas, Ryan Madrid, and onecommunity leader Vincent Allen (Community H.O.O.P.S co-founder)accompanied 7 young men (The Leadership Group) on an educationaltrip to Washington, D.C. to visit the nation's capitol. While inD.C. "The Leadership Group" also visited the campus of HowardUniversity a historical black college. This trip was a part ofBarksdale's "Leadership Group"; in which, annually Barksdale takesa group of young men in the Rock Hill community and surroundingareas on an educational trip and requires them to complete variousassignments leading up to and after the trip. Last year, they tooka trip to Morehouse, in Atlanta, Georgia, were Dr. Benjamin Mayswas the topic of their research. They researched Dr. Mays' life,and visited Mays' tomb. This trip provided them the experience tounderstand how Dr. Mays helped shape our African American History.
This year with the help of Congressman John Spratt,Barksdale's group was able to take a tour of the Capitol andunderstand the History behind it. This trip started on Thursdaynight August 7^th^ at 11pm where Barksdale met with The LeadershipGroup to discuss the logistics of their trip. Barksdale drovethrough the night to arrive in D.C. on Friday morning August 8^th^for their 9:55am tour. But this was not a normal drive, while mostpeople were in their deep sleep zone, Barksdale and group werediscussing what this year's election mean to them as Young BlackMen. Barrack Obama was the subject of this year's research, inwhich, The Leadership Group had to read Obama's Blueprint forChange and complete a paper on it. Barksdale takes 2-3 hours everytrip just to discuss the topic of the group's research, so thatwhen they arrive at their destinations they have a richerexperience.
Comments from some of the young men:
Quay Salter stated; "This trip taught me that you can comefrom nothing and be anything, but you always have to be prepared.This trip will stay with me for a very long time"
Dequarius McClinton stated; "This is my first visit to ournations Capitol, I will never forget this experience. I am sothankful that we have individuals like Mr. Barksdale and thesementors who care enough to make this trip happen for me. If it werenot for Mr. Barksdale I would not be able to come here at thisage".
Jamal Pearson stated; "I have learned from Derrick and theother mentors, you have to be accountable as a man. Some peoplewill stereotype you before they even get to know you, this is whyyou always have to be on point as a leader".

"I started The Leadership Group with the idea that we wouldshape young leaders, and prepare them for the hurdles of the world.This trip allowed me yet another opportunity to give back to theseyoung men. I always want to do something meaningful in their livesand teach them the skillsets they need to suceed. To see the lookon these young men face while walking through the Capitol andtouring Washington was all the satisfaction I needed, just to knowI made a difference in their lives on that day. Some state "theyoung black male is endangered", but I only think misunderstood, ifwe do the things we should do as leaders in our communities, wewill have more success story's coming from our neighborhoods. I'mThankful God has put me in a place to give, and I will continue thequest in making more Leaders from our communities", statesBarksdale.


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