Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan announced the launch of the 2025 Black History Month Essay Contest for middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.
The competition is open to all middle and high school students who live in Virginia’s Fourth and seeks to foster education and awareness of Black history and its notable actors. Essayists are tasked with analyzing the significance of Black representation and efforts at inclusivity, as well as the lessons that can be learned from specific Black figures.
“As the first Black woman to represent Virginia in the House of Representatives, I know that my service would not be possible without the work of so many who came before me. I stand on the shoulders of trailblazers, and I hope to build on their legacy moving forward. I am excited to announce the second annual Black History Month Essay Contest, which centers Black voices and experiences in shaping our past and future. I invite all middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District to participate,” McClellan said.
Middle School Prompt: Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley was a trailblazer for Black American women in the military. During World War II, she became the first Black officer commissioned in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAC), commanding the 6888th Central Postal Directory. The only predominantly Black, all-female U.S. Army Unit sent overseas during World War II, the “Six Triple Eight” was charged with sorting a two- to three-year backlog of undelivered mail to nearly 7 million U.S. soldiers in the European Theater of Operations. Fort Gregg-Adams bears her name.
Write an essay about Earley. Describe her journey to becoming an officer, the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the U.S. military, and reflect on the importance of her contributions to history and what we can learn from her life today in 350 to 500 words.
High School Prompt: Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg was the first Black Army officer to reach the rank of lieutenant general. On April 27, 2023, he became the first living person in recent memory to have an Army installation, Fort Gregg-Adams, bear his name until he died in August 2024.
Write an essay about Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and his legacy. Discuss the impact of having diverse voices and experiences in important spaces like the US military and government on society. Consider how representation shapes identity, fosters inclusivity and contributes to a more equitable world in 500 to 750 words.
The deadline to submit an essay is Friday, February 7, 2025 and should be emailed to [email protected].
For more information is available on McClellan’s website.
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Rebecca Barnabi
