Black History contest asks Michiganders to tell their stories

• Carter paperwork the oral histories of individuals whose tales are sometimes overlooked.
• Entries should be submitted by Wednesday, February 18.

Many Black Historical past Month essay contests are geared toward younger college students, with their lives forward of them. This one – “Why Am I Black Historical past” – is targeted on a bunch who could have skilled it, or, to place it one other manner, helped create it.

There’s a minimal age for entry: 65 years previous.

The competition, organized by state Rep. Brenda Carter, D-Pontiac, asks entrants to jot down an essay of only one web page, a brief reflection “on why they imagine their life story is a part of Black historical past” and a chance to inform their tales.

“I needed to create an area for older folks to inform their very own tales in their very own phrases,” Carter explains. “Black historical past is not simply present in textbooks or museums. It lives in our communities, our households and within the individuals who pushed us ahead.”

In a way, Carter paperwork the oral histories of individuals whose tales are overlooked of textbooks, newspaper articles, and public areas through which they’re recorded. The competition can also be an opportunity to get acknowledged and win some cash.

Extra: The one centesimal anniversary of Black Historical past Month has arrived. Does Michigan observe?

The thought of ​​recognizing African-American historical past goes again at the very least 100 years.

In 1926, historian and journalist Carter Woodson, generally known as the ‘Father of Black’, revealed created a Negro History Weekthe second week of February, to have a good time the achievements of African People.

He selected that week as a result of it coincided with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, two figures the black neighborhood had celebrated. Negro Historical past turned Black Historical past, and later it turned a month.

Carter didn’t point out how a lot the winners would obtain.

However she famous that she was keen to listen to from folks, particularly these in her district, and would settle for essays by e-mail, mail or in individual, and that her employees would offer help to anybody who wanted assist typing their submission.

Entries are due Wednesday, February 18. The winners shall be introduced on the Pontiac College District Board assembly on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. Extra contest data is accessible at 517-373-2577 or BrendaCarter@home.mi.gov.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com