Not every day can students meet with a U.S. congressman at their own school, but the Youth Leadership Council will have a meet and greet with House of Representatives member Keith Ellison at Park Feb. 20.

The Youth Leadership Council is a new club this year for students of color who wish to engage in out-of-school activities. The club is lead by counselor Lee’Ann Stephens, who works with the International Leadership Institute in order to arrange activities that will benefit the students later in life.

Ellison is speaking to Park students about the budget and taxes of the government because the club is currently focusing on math-related careers. Stephens said she thinks it’s important for these students to have role models that they can relate to.

“There are very few black congressman in our country and they’ll be able to relate to him since he’s from North Minneapolis,” Stephens said.

Junior Fatoumata Jaiteh said racial equality is important to her, so being able to meet someone who breaks racial stereotypes is something she’s looking forward to doing.

“I look forward to asking him questions,” Jaiteh said. “Such as, how he transcends through the barriers of being an African American and becoming a representative for Hennepin County.”

This is the first time the club has brought in a speaker, but Stephens said she wants to continue bringing new opportunities to the groups members.

“They love the opportunities that they’ve had and keep asking for new activities,” Stephens said.