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AARLCC's Black History Month Art /Essay Contest

Broward County students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in the Black History Month contest. The contest runs from December 2, 2024 - January 31, 2025.

Black History Month Art / Essay Contest

Broward County students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in an exciting Black History Month contest, focusing on the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s annual theme, "African Americans and Labor." This contest includes both essay and artwork submissions, encouraging students to explore and reflect on the significant contributions and experiences of African Americans in the labor force through creative and written expression.

Prizes: 

Prizes will be awarded, courtesy of the Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, to three winners in each category.

1st Place Prize:  Laptop and recognition at Black History Month reception at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.

2nd Place Prize:  Smartwatch and recognition at Black History Month reception at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.

3rd Place Prize:  Gift basket recognition at Black History Month reception at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.

Topic:  

Reflect on the theme "African Americans and Labor." In your essay or art submission, explore how labor and workplaces have shaped the experiences of African Americans throughout history. Consider one of the following aspects:

1. Key moments in Black labor history, including work that was paid or unpaid, such as enslavement, sharecropping, wage labor, military service, and beyond.  Highlighting the contributions of African Americans in the building of United States past and present.

2. The role of African Americans in labor movements and social justice efforts, with an emphasis on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids. 

Criteria:

Essay Criteria:  Essays will be judged based on content, examples, organization, structure, critical thinking, writing mechanics (grammar, spelling and clear language); word count (minimum 350 words); and adherence to the theme the theme.

Art Criteria: Artwork will be judged on creativity, originality, artistic technique, and adherence to the theme.

Contest Rules & Guidelines:

• Essays must be original, minimum 350 words, typed in a readable font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12pt), and reflect the theme “African Americans and Labor.” 
• Artwork can be 3- D or  2-D between 8.5X11 and 11X14 inches. 
• Submit artwork in-person to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. 
• Submit essays in-person to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) or via email to aarlccyouthservices@broward.org.

All entries must be submitted with an entry form by 5:00 PM on January 30, 2025.  For information / entry form, call 954-357-6209.

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