Assemblyman Gantt Sponsors the Annual Black History Essay Contest

Join Us In The Celebration Of

Black History

February has been officially designated as Black History Month in New York. Assemblyman David Gantt is sponsoring an Annual Black History Essay Contest. This contest is to increase the awareness of the achievements of Black men and women throughout American history.

Eligible contestants are encouraged to write a short essay about a prominent Black man or woman or to write about a significant event in Black American history.

The contest is open to all fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh grade students attending Rochester City Schools located within Mr. Gantt’s Assembly District.

The essay contest is a unique and personal way to study history.

"The essay contest is a very unique and personal way to study history," said Assemblyman Gantt. "The students begin to understand the impact these individuals and events have had on America."

The learning experience does not end with the essay itself. The contest winners will be escorted to the State Capitol in Albany and they will be officially recognized on the floor of the State Assembly. The students will also be given a tour of the Capitol and the Empire State Plaza.

"All the participants are winners," said Assemblyman Gantt. "They learn about people and events which shaped history and are sometimes overlooked in textbooks. But I’m the biggest winner of all. I get to read the essays and meet some of the writers."

Contest rules and deadlines are outlined below. Call Assemblyman Gantt at 454-3670 if you have any questions.

Assemblyman Gantt sponsors the
Annual Black History Essay Contest

February 2009

Dear Student,

February has been officially declared Black History Month in New York State. In celebration of the contribution of Black Americans, I am sponsoring an Annual Black History Essay Contest.

I sponsor this contest each year so students like you have the chance to explore the many contributions of Black Americans. I am sure this will be one of your most unique learning experiences. What you learn will be very special because you choose the topic.

The winners of the contest will receive $25 in cash and will also take a trip to Albany to see how New York State government works and visit the Assembly Chamber. We will have lunch together and take some pictures for a newsletter that will be sent to everyone in our Assembly District. It is a trip you will not forget!

The rules of the contest are outlined in this bulletin. I encourage you to take it home and show it to your parents. They can help you with the project. Your teacher also has an outline of the rules and can help you too. It is important to remember that on February 20th the essay must be handed in.

If you have questions — or would like to know more about the contest — you can call my Assembly District Office. The telephone number is 454-3670. I or my staff will be glad to answer your questions.

I hope you decide to enter this contest and I look forward to reading your essay. Remember, each essay is very special because the topic is chosen by you and it is not given out as an assignment. I think that is the most exciting part. Research and writing are not easy, so ask your parents and teachers for help. Good luck!

Sincerely,
signature
David F. Gantt

BLACK HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST RULES

Topics:

Students should choose a prominent person or event from the pages of Black American history as the subject of their essay. They should pick a subject which they believe deserves particular recognition. All essay papers must respond to just one of the following:

Name a famous Black American and explain why this person is important to you.

Name a famous Black American and explain how that person influenced our society.

Name a special event in Black American history and explain why this event is important to you.

Name a special event in Black American history and tell how this event influenced our society.

Essay Length:

All essays must contain a minimum of 200 words but no more than 600 words.

Essay Format:

All essays must be legibly handwritten or neatly typed. A cover sheet including the writer’s name, home address, phone number, school, teacher’s name and the grade level of the student should be attached.

Eligibility Requirements:

Any 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th grade student who attends one of the Rochester City Schools within the 133rd Assembly District is eligible.

Contest Evaluation:

All entries will be evaluated according to the student’s grade level. For example, an essay submitted by a fifth grade contestant will only be judged against other fifth grade essays. One winner will be chosen from each of the four grade levels to which the contest is open.

Contest Winners:

Contest winners will be chosen by March 6, 2009.

Each winner will receive a letter and telephone call informing them of their designation as contest winner.

Criteria By Which Essays Will Be Judged

Clear expression and development of a feeling, idea or theme (10 points).

Quality of essay compared with the quality of other essays submitted by students at the same grade level (10 points).

Originality – unique information revealed about the subject of the essay (10 points).

Proper spelling, punctuation and grammar (5 points).

• Contest Awards And Prizes •

Each student participating in the competition will receive a commendation from Assemblyman Gantt in recognition of their achievement.

Winners of each grade level competition will also receive:

$25 Prize Money
Day-long trip to the State Capitol in Albany for lunch with Assemblyman Gantt
Official recognition on the floor of the New York State Assembly
Copy of the official Assembly Record for that day
Assembly resolution commending them on their achievement
Guided tour of the State Capitol and Empire State Plaza government complex
Appearance on Assembly Update television program with Assemblyman Gantt
Videotape copy of Assembly Update program
Photos taken with Assemblyman Gantt for an official newsletter