Skip to main content

Page last updated on November 28, 2017 at 1:49 pm

For more information, please contact

Rafi Khalid Hasan II, Director of Safe and Civil City Program, Department of Community and Family Resources, hasanr@bloomington.in.gov, 812-349-3559

City Unveils 2018 Theme for Black History Month Essay Contest

Bloomington, Ind - The City of Bloomington Black History Month Committee announced that the 2018 theme for its annual Black History Month essay contest is From Protest to Progress: Unmasking the Movement.

“The essay contest theme is intended to inspire our next generation of leaders about the value of protest. From Protest to Progress encourages discussions about the ways African-Americans have unmasked the movement in the past and present by utilizing speeches, writings, songs, religious beliefs, the law, politics and much more,” commented Black History Month Committee chairperson Maqubé Reese.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each of three categories: Elementary (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-8) and High School (grades 9-12). Homeschooled students are eligible to participate as well. First place winners will receive a 16GB iPad, second place winners will receive a $100 cash award, and third place winners will receive a $75 cash award.

All essays must be submitted on the Black History Month celebration website at bloomington.in.gov/inclusion/black-history-month by January 17, 2018. Winners will be honored at a reception on February 8, 2018 as a part of the City’s Black History Month celebration.

More information about the 2018 Essay Contest and Black History Month is available online.

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.

###