Black History Month Essay Contest
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan announces her 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: Barbara Rose Johns was a courageous student activist whose leadership and determination helped spark a legal challenge that contributed to the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation in public schools in the United States.
Write an essay explaining who Barbara Rose Johns was and discuss the importance of student activism today. In your essay, explain how young people can use their voices, actions, and leadership to influence positive change in their schools and communities, and why youth involvement remains essential to advancing social justice. (350-500 words)
High School Prompt: Carter G. Woodson is known as the “Father of Black History” for his dedication to researching, preserving, and teaching African American history. He established Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month.
Write an essay explaining who Carter G. Woodson was and why he believed it was important for African Americans to learn their own history. Discuss the challenges he faced in promoting Black history and why Black History Month remains relevant as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of United States Independence and the contributions of African Americans. (500-750 words)
The deadline to submit an essay is Monday, February 9th and should be sent to VA04_Projects@mail.house.gov.