The Department of African and African Diaspora Studies and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion thank all of the students who submitted entries for our first Black History Month essay contest about what Black History Means to them! The essay contest has now concluded and contest winners were recognized during a virtual awards ceremony this past Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

We are excited to announce the winners (click on students’ names to view their essay, speech, or poem):

Grades 2-5

1st Place
Maki KhielSelah, 3rd Grade, Home School

2nd Place (tie)
Truth Walthour, 3rd Grade, Home School
Russel Stamper III, 4th Grade, Underwood Elementary

Honorable Mention
Kendall Stamper, 2nd Grade, Underwood Elementary

Grades 6-8

1st Place
Shawanna Harper-Evens, 6th Grade, Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts

2nd Place
Sitey Abdikadir, 6th Grade, Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts

3rd Place
Marcus Castronovo – 6th Grade, Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts

Grades 9-12

1st Place
Journey Harper, 10th Grade, Milwaukee High School of the Arts

2nd Place
Desire Hurt, 12th Grade, Milwaukee High School of the Arts

3rd Place
Terri Mims, 11th Grade, Milwaukee Lutheran

Congratulations again to the contest winners and thank you again to all of the participants and organizers!

Click here to watch the full recording of the Black History Month Essay Contest Virtual Awards Ceremony!