WASHINGTON, D.C.—Maryland State Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, 10th District, has a remarkable long history of attending the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc’s Annual Legislative Conference and continues to find more inspiration and excitement every year she attends.
“This has been my 34th year coming to this conference, long before you were born,” Nathan-Pulliam told Ib’s Blog in an exclusive interview.
“As a registered nurse, I’ve always been involved in health care. And so I come every year. I used to come when we were working on many issues relating to racial and ethnic disparities; we didn’t call it that then.
“We called it ‘Bridging the Gap’ under Congressman Loius Stokes. And now here we are into 2010 and we’re still talking about this issue,” Nathan-Pulliam said.
Nathan-Pulliam, who also serves as deputy majority whip in the Maryland House of Delegates, said as someone who has played a vital role in the state of Maryland in addressing racial and ethnic disparity, she finds it important to attend the Annual Legislative Conference.
Nathan-Pulliam was part of the 40th Annual Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C. between Sept. 15 and Sept. 18. The theme of this year’s conference was, “Celebrating the Vision, Continuing the Journey, Advancing the Mission.”
“So I was a part of sitting in on the forums and learning, and then just to merit the different forums that were going on,” Nathan-Pulliam said.
“You learn different things, and you pick up different ideas and to me that’s really one of the reasons that I consistently come every year. I go back [home] a little bit more inspired and excited about the things that I’ve learned.”
Nathan-Pulliam also spoke about the importance of the historic health care reform to be implemented in the United States.
“For America as a country to become and remain healthy, the issue of health care reform is vitally important for all people. Every American deserves quality and accessible health care,” Nathan-Pulliam said.
