2017 Black History Month Essay Contest Highlights Black Women’s Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 1, 2016

For more information, please contact: Rafi Khalid Hasan II, Director, Safe and Civil City Program, City of Bloomington, Community and Family Resources Department, 812-349-3559, hasanr@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington's Black History Month Planning Committee is pleased to announce the 2017 Black History Month Essay Contest. The contest theme, Black Her-Story Month: Illuminating the Gifts of Black Women, is also the overall theme of the 2017 Black History Month celebration.

As agents for change, black women have always been influential in shaping our world, advancing the struggle for human rights, and challenging racial and gender inequality, yet often their impact and contributions to our world have not been recognized. In recognition of their contributions and celebrating academic excellence, this year's essay contest will highlight black women's contributions to our world, their influence in transforming our society, and focusing on the ways they have motivated and inspired change in others.

To be eligible, students must reside or be enrolled in an elementary, middle, or high school in the city of Bloomington. Home-educated students are eligible to participate. Essays must focus on an individual from the designated subject list.

For a complete list of the contest guidelines, subjects, and information, please visit bloomington.in.gov/bhm or contact the Community and Family Resources Department at 812-349-3430. The deadline for essay submissions is Friday, January 13, 2017, at 5:00 p.m.

The Black History Month Essay committee will award first, second and third place prizes in each of three categories: Elementary (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-8) and High School (grades 9-12). First place in each category will receive a 16GB iPad Air2, second place winners will receive a $100 cash prize and third place winners will receive a cash award of $75. Awards will be presented at an awards ceremony in February.

The City of Bloomington Black History Month Essay Contest is sponsored by Indiana University Credit Union, Prince Hall Mason's Stone City Lodge #54 and Order of the Eastern Star, South Star #50.

For more information, please contact City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Director, Rafi Khalid Hasan II, at 812-349-3559 or by email at safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov.

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