McClellan Announces Launch of Black History Month Essay Contest
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of 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.
“February is Black History Month, an important opportunity to recognize all those who played a role in advancing the rights of the Black community and working to redress long-standing inequities in our nation,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “It is an incredible honor to serve in Congress as the first Black woman from Virginia, but it is also an important responsibility to uplift other Black leaders and ensure I am not the last. Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and President Barack Obama are trailblazers, who shattered glass ceilings and moved our communities and nation forward. I am excited to launch my inaugural Black History Month Essay Contest, and I encourage all middle and high school students to participate.”
Middle School Students: Write an essay about the life and legacy of the first Black woman elected to Congress, former Rep. Shirley Chisholm, and how her election paved the way for other Black women to serve. (350-500 words)
High School Students: The first Black President of the United States, Barack Obama, once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” How do you encourage yourself and your peers to become engaged as changemakers in your community as a student and future voter? (500-750 words)
The deadline to submit an essay is Monday, February 12th and should be sent to VA04_Projects@mail.house.gov.
For more information, visit Rep. McClellan’s website.