Black History Month Essay Contest

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan announces her inaugural Black History Month Essay Contest for middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. 

The competition aims to increase education and awareness of prominent figures in Black history. Open to all middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth, students are tasked with an essay analyzing the significance of specific Black figures in history. 

Middle School Prompt: Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley was a trailblazer for Black American women in the military. During World War II, she became the first Black officer commissioned in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAC), commanding the 6888th Central Postal Directory.  The only predominantly Black, all-female U.S. Army Unit sent overseas during World War II, the “Six Triple Eight” was charged with sorting a two- to three-year backlog of undelivered mail to nearly seven million U.S. soldiers in the European Theater of Operations. Fort Gregg-Adams bears her name.

Write an essay about Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. Describe her journey to becoming an officer, the challenges she faced as Black woman in the US military, and reflect on the importance of her contributions to history and what we can learn from her life today. (350-500 words)

High School Prompt: Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg was the first Black Army officer to reach the rank of lieutenant general. On April 27, 2023, he became the first living person in recent memory to have an Army installation, Fort Gregg-Adams, bear his name until his passing in August 2024. 

Write an essay about Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and his legacy. Discuss the impact of having diverse voices and experiences in important spaces like the US military and government on society. Consider how representation shapes identity, fosters inclusivity, and contributes to a more equitable world. (500-750 words)  

The deadline to submit an essay is Friday, February 7th and should be sent to VA04_Projects@mail.house.gov.