3rd Annual Literacy Reflections on Black History K-12 Competition & Celebration/Reception
February 27 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Greetings!
On behalf of the Purdue University College of Education Department of Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy & Language program, we invite parents/guardians of Greater Lafayette K-12 students to assist them in submitting work for the 3rd Annual Literacy Reflections on Black History K-12 Competition & Celebration/Reception.
2026 Literacy Reflections on Black History K-12 Essay & Arts COMPETITION
Submissions due by January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. via Qualtrics.
The 2026 Black History Month Theme: “A Century of Black History Commemorations”
2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915.
In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the inaugural week-long observance of Black history, he could have hardly anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world. From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASNLH has carried forth the tradition and the observances have become part of the weft and warp of American culture and, increasingly, the global community. For its 100th theme, the Founders of Black History Month urges us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.
Guiding prompt: Reflect on the importance and significance of African American commemorations and celebrations throughout history.
The Literacy Reflections on Black History Elementary Competition is an initiative that celebrates Greater Lafayette K-12 student engagement through literacy and the arts as well as highlighting the impact of African American contributions in celebration of Black History Month. Select awards will be given within four subgroups (Primary K-2nd; Intermediate 3rd-5th; middle school 6th-8th; and high school 9th-12th) for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for:
- Essay (Not to exceed 200 words) Submit Word file or PDF via Qualtrics by deadline. All work will be displayed, and student winners will read their essays at the reception on Feb. 27.
- Art (painting, visual, digital, etc.) Submit JPEG via Qualtrics and mail artwork by the Jan. 23 deadline. All work will be displayed at the reception on Feb. 27.
- Performance (skit, poem, spoken word, song, dance, etc.) Submit MP4 video, YouTube link, or other digital format by the Jan. 23 deadline via Qualtrics. If you are selected as an awardee, you will perform it at the reception on Feb. 27.
The Literacy Reflections on Black History Competition is open to students in grades K-12. Students must reside in the Greater Lafayette, Indiana (Tippecanoe County) area and be enrolled in either a public, private or homeschool program. Students must also have the permission of a parent, guardian, or teacher over the age of 18 years of age in order to enter the competition.
All submissions must be uploaded via Qualtrics by January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Each student must answer the essay question in their own words/complete the art on their own/perform individually on their own. Plagiarism is unacceptable and is cause for contest disqualification. Submissions are judged by Purdue COE staff, students, and community members. Judging is based on the student’s ability to connect to the guiding prompt/theme clearly and concisely, understanding of the topic, and creativity and originality of thought pertaining to the topic, as well as grammar, spelling, and style.
All physical art samples should be mailed to:
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Attention: Dr. Breanya Hogue/BHM Contest
100 N. University Street, BRNG 4108A
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Students who submit an essay/artwork to the compeition grant the Purdue University College of Education and its partners, including the news media, the right to use their names, photographs, statements, quotes and testimonials for advertising, publicity and promotional purposes without notification or further compensation. This includes, but is not limited to, the Purdue University College of Education’s social media accounts, as well as its print or electronic publications. The Purdue University College of Education maintains the right to reproduce, reprint, distribute, perform, display, or exhibit the project for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes on its website and at conferences or other venues.
Literacy Reflections on Black History K-12 CELEBRATION & RECEPTION
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Purdue Black Cultural Center
1100 Third St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Join us for a reception to celebrate Black History Month as we recognize local K-12 youth who participate in this year’s Literacy Reflections on Black History K-12 Competition! Students and their work and performances will be spotlighted and celebrated. ALL are welcome and refreshments will be provided.