1st Annual Black History Program
“Blacks Advancing Toward Excellence”
Scholarship Essay Contest

Awards:
Collegiate High School
1st - $1000 1st - $1000
2nd - $500 2nd - $750
3rd - $250 3rd - $500

Guidelines:

Write a 500 word essay (not to exceed 550 words) on one of the topics of discussion below. The ideas in the essay should represent the writer’s conclusions and, where necessary, include support from authoritative sources (scholarly books and articles, even interviews, when feasible). In an essay of this length, three (3) sources should provide sufficient documentation in support of the writer’s conclusions.

All essays are to be formatted as follows:
-12pt Times New Roman Font
-Double Spaced
- 1” Margins all around
-Include a Works Cited Page
-Include a Cover Sheet*

*Cover sheet is to include participant’s Name (First & Last), Date, Phone Number, & Essay Title

Submission:
All essays must be emailed to BHPessay@gmail.com no later than midnight on February 27, 2008

Essays must be saved in MS Word format and must be saved according to the following file name convention.**

Last Name_First Name_(HS or COLL).doc
Example: Williams_Corrin_COLL.doc

**Essays submitted without following this rule will not be considered

Collegiate Topics:
A. Affirmative Action: The answer to racial inequality or a means of reverse discrimination?
Explain the origin and purpose of affirmative action. Discuss whether or not you believe it has been successful. Why or Why not? What role, if any, has it played in your life or how would you change it ? What would you have done different?

B. Banning the “N” word?
Discuss the deliberation behind banning the “N” word. How do you feel about the subject? Why? What about freedom of speech?

C. Possibility of a Black President
2008 brings the opportunity to witness the possibility of a black candidate for president. How do you feel about this possibility? What type of reaction can be expected from the nation? the world? Do you think the election of a black president would bring about change? If so elaborate?

High School

A. Rich vs. Wealthy
What is the difference between “rich” and “wealthy” if any? If there is a difference, which would you rather be? Why? If not elaborate further on the subject.

B. Diversity: The Benefits or Hindrances of a Multicultural Education
What is Diversity? Discuss the positive or negative effects of diversity in an academic environment. How do you affect the diversity of your school or How does it affect you? Do you feel it should be increased?

C. Banning the “N” word?
Discuss the deliberation behind banning the “N” word. How do you feel about the subject? Why? What about freedom of speech?