The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum

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The Carter G. Woodson 2020 Black History Essay Competition

Announcing an Inspiring, Rewarding Opportunity

The Carter G. Woodson 2020 Black History Essay Competition for Students in Grades 10-12 and at Marshall University

Sponsor: Omega Psi Phi, Marshall University

Cosponsor: The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, Marshall University

Contact:

Corey Cunningham, cunningha189.live.marshall.edu

or Professor Burnis Morris, morrisb@marshall.edu.

Eligibility:

There are four separate divisions for the competition based on three high school levels — for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 — and one level for all Marshall University students.

Prizes:

$100 to each winner in grades 10, 11 and 12; $200 to the Marshall University winner

Deadline:

By 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27, 2020

Theme:

The 2020 National Black History theme is “African Americans and the Vote.” Students should address some aspect of this theme. For background on theme and information about Dr. Woodson, a former Huntington educator and Father of Black History, please visit: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/

Criteria

Essays will be judged on

  • The extent to which the essay effectively explores and expresses understanding of the 2020 Black History theme.
  • Organization of the essay, including arguments and conclusion.
  • Correct use of grammar and accurate spelling and punctuation.

High school students should write at least 600 words. Marshall students should write at least 750 words.

Format

Please note the following requirements:

  1. The student’s name and grade level should be typed on the top left of the page (line 1). Marshall students should state their names, year in school and major on the top line.
  2. On line 2, type the essay’s title — “African Americans and the Vote” — flush left or centered. Begin the composition on line 3, flush left. Separate paragraphs with one line spaces.
  3. Page setup should be 1-inch margins, and text should be double-spaced using 12-point font in Times New Roman. Essays should be submitted only in Microsoft Word.
  4. Create a name for the Word doc to be attached in this style: Your Lastname_BlackHistoryEssay_2020 (Example: Morris_BlackHistoryEssay_2020).

Submission

Scan the application/consent form on page 2 and email it with the essay as separate attachments to Professor Burnis Morris, The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum: morrisb@marshall.edu. Students may also print the form and essay and mail them to Professor Burnis Morris, The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, SOJMC, 1 John Drive, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755. Contact us if you prefer to hand deliver the printed documents. However, the deadline for entries to reach us remains unchanged.

Deadline by 5 p.m., Jan. 27, 2020

 

Background

Dr. Carter G. Woodson is considered the Father of Black History. He received his high school diploma from Frederick Douglass High School in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1896, and returned four years later as principal. A statue of Dr. Woodson is located at 820 Hall Greer Blvd., in Huntington.

Other Important Information

  • Winners must complete paperwork for payments of the awards.
  • Winners (including parents/guardians of minors) grant permission for use of the winning essays in print and online in various promotions.
  • Winners are expected to attend the awards dinner at Marshall in February.

Application and Consent Form to Be Submitted with Essay

Complete the above form and scan and attach it with the essay. Students also may print the form and mail the typed essay. Email: morrisb@marshall.edu. Or US mail: Professor Burnis Morris, The Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, SOJMC, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755

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