In a press release via BlackPRWire, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida officially launched the 2023 Black History Month Student Art and Essay Competition.
The Essay competition has the theme, ‘Celebrating the Achievements of African American Floridians’.
In a statement, the Florida Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz Jr., said, “African Americans have a long and proud history in our great state of Florida, and Black History Month is the perfect occasion to celebrate their many achievements,”
“Learning about African American achievements is central to learning about Florida and America itself. I have no doubt that this year’s art and essay contest submissions will be outstanding.
The competition has received support from First Lady Casey DeSantis, the Honorable Commissioner, and Volunteer Florida’s CEO, Josie Tamayo.
Who Is This For?
The Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida.
Each student is expected to submit one essay, and none shall be longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme.
Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12).
Winners will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card usable for school supplies.
The subject of the essay borders upon an African American Floridian whose story the writers think should be shared. Some examples are given in the Press Release by the Department of Education, including;
- Secretary Shevaun Harris
- State Senator Corey Simon
- Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs II
- Daniel “Chappie” James Jr.
- Alwyn Cashe
- James Weldon Johnson
- John G. Riley
- The Florida Highwaymen
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms should be mailed to Volunteer Florida @ 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, Florida, or submitted online at floridablackhistory.com
Deadline: Feb. 7, 2023
