2012 Black History prompt:
African American women from the American Revolution to the present, have played a myriad of critical roles in the making of our nation. Their labor and leadership, their motherhood and patriotism, and their intellect and artistic expression have all enriched both the African American community and the nation at large.
Reflect on American culture today and focus on the accomplishments of such prominent figures as Phillis Wheatley, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Rosa Parks, Toni Morrison, Michelle Obama, and Rita Dove. These African American women have distinguished themselves in various areas of American culture and history.
The accomplishments of African American women has been defined as exceptional and can easily be identified in churches, community groups, literary societies, sororities, and advocacy organizations. African American women have been the core of organized black life, but their accomplishments have often escaped the gaze of the public and hence their history is too little known.
Now, write to you share the life story of a little known (not using any of the women listed above) African American woman that has made a difference in their community and is worthy to be included in the annals of African American women in culture and history.
- PRIZES:
- Separate first, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in the middle and senior high school categories as follows:
- 1st place - $400 U.S. Savings Bond
- 2nd place - $250 U.S. Savings Bond
- 3rd place - $100 U.S. Savings Bond
BLACK HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST GUIDELINES
- Essays must be typed, with a maximum length of 500 words (2 pages), double spaced on white paper, and stapled on the upper left hand corner. The prompt must be typed on the cover sheet. The cover sheet must also include the student’s name, grade level, email address, phone number (cell/home), and school. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in disqualification.
- All entries will be evaluated in their entirety with consideration being given to the following four elements: focus, organization, support and conventions.
