National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), in collaboration with The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, invites high school and college students to submit writing—fiction, prose, or essays—for a writing contest entitled “Celebrating Black Writers: Voices Calling for Activism and Social Justice.” From NCTE:
Our nation is facing many challenges: voter suppression, racism, social injustice and inequality, and a public health pandemic. Black writers in this country have a long history of overcoming obstacles and engaging in the struggle for the freedom to live as citizens whose civil and human rights are respected and honored. Through their liberation narratives, poetry, fiction, and essays, Black writers have documented their experiences and called for change. The texts of Black poets, novelists, playwrights, screenwriters, historians, activists, and civil rights leaders have always sustained us through challenging times.
All students currently enrolled in secondary/high school or college, including community college, are encouraged to participate by writing and submitting their own essays, prose, or fiction. Writings should represent various themes raised by Black writers—poets, novelists, literary activists, public intellectuals, civil rights leaders, and historians—who have advocated for social justice.
First place winners (high school juniors and seniors) receive a $3,000 award. The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 23, 2022. Visit NCTE’s National Writing Contest page for additional information and submission guidelines.
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