Congratulations to our 2025 Black History Writing Contest Winners!
Each year, the Louise Williams Branch hosts a Black History Writing Contest for teens. This year's theme for Black History Month is "African Americans and Labor," recognizing the pivotal role Black individuals play in shaping our labor force throughout history. Local middle school students were asked to submit a short essay on what the theme meant to them. By participating, students had the opportunity to win a Visa gift card and a mini tote bag filled with goodies. The winners were announced during the awards ceremony on March 15, 2025. Each student received a certificate for their achievement along with their prizes.
Jayla Watson, 7th grade, 1st place, winning a Visa card amount of $75, wrote:
"African Americans have worked hard throughout history to help build the United States, from slavery to modern jobs in many industries. During slavery, African Americans worked on farms and plantations without getting paid, and helped grow crops like cotton and tobacco. Even though they were not treated fairly, their hard work was important to the country's economy. After slavery ended, many African Americans worked in factories, railroads, and as builders to help make cities grow. These jobs gave them more freedom and a way to support their families, but they still faced unfair treatment. African Americans have always played an important role in building and shaping America, showing strength, skill and determination in their work."
Derriona Elmore, 8th grade, 2nd place, winning a Visa card amount of $50, wrote:
"Slavery was a system of forced labor in which people were treated like property and denied their freedom and their basic human rights. In the past, enslaved people were often abused physically, mentally and psychologically. They were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions and they would sometimes be denied food, clothing and shelter. They were denied freedom of movement like the right to marry and their right to an education. If I could change one thing about slavery, it would be to prevent it from happening in the first place. Because slavery is a violation of human rights, and it has no place in an unjust and equitable world."
Te'Nija Criff, 7th grade, 3rd place, winning a Visa card amount of $25, wrote:
"The theme of African Americans and Labor shows the essential offerings and struggles of black workers throughout U.S. history. From the forced labor activism, African Americans have played a vital role in building the nation while facing widespread oppression and discrimination. Sojourner Truth, a former enslaved woman turned abolitionist and women's rights advocate, spoke out against those injustices. She emphasized how black labor, particularly the enslaved woman was exploited without recognition or fair compensation. In closing, Sojourner contributes to the theme "African American's and Labor" because she challenged social gender inequalities in labor, advocating for justice and equality for all workers."
Thank you to Louise Williams Branch for hosting the Black History Writing Contest and for recognizing the talented work of young students.