2nd Annual Literacy Reflections on Black History Elementary/Middle School Competition & Reception

Greetings!

On behalf of the Purdue College of Education Department of Curriculum & Instruction (Literacy & Language) we would like to invite parents/guardians of the greater Lafayette community to assist their K-8 students in submitting work for the 2nd Annual:

Literacy Reflections on Black History Elementary/Middle School (K-8) Essay & Arts COMPETITION

Submissions due by February 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. via Qualtrics.

The 2025 Black History Month Theme: “African Americans and Labor.” The theme highlights the central role that work has played in the Black American experience, from the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans to the establishment of Black Wall Street. It also focuses on the role of organized labor in fighting economic and social injustices. Read more about the theme.

Guiding prompt: Reflect on how African Americans have impacted the labor and work forces within the United States.

The Literacy Reflections on Black History Elementary Competition is an initiative that celebrates K-8 student engagement within Greater Lafayette 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 3 subgroups (Primary, K-2, Intermediate, 3-5, and middle 6-8) for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the areas of:

  • 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 the 28th.
  • Art (painting, visual, digital, etc.) Submit Jpeg via Qualtrics and mail artwork by deadline. All work will be displayed at the reception on the 28th.
  • Performance (skit, poem, spoken word, song, dance, etc.) Submit Mp4 video, YouTube link, or other digital format by deadline via Qualtrics. If you are selected as an awardee, you will perform it at the reception on the 28th.

The Literacy Reflections on Black History Elementary Competition is open to students in grades K-8. 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 contest.

All submissions must be uploaded via Qualtrics by the deadline, February 4, 2024, 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, 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 to the contest grant Purdue COE 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 Purdue COE’s social media accounts, as well as print or electronic publications. Purdue COE maintains the right to reproduce, reprint, distribute, perform, display, or exhibit the project for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes on its website, at conferences or other venues.

Literacy Reflections on Black History Elementary/Middle School (K-8) CELEBRATION & RECEPTION

Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Purdue Black Cultural Center
1100 Third St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907

RSVP Here

Join us for a reception to celebrate Black History Month as we recognize local K-8 youth that participated in this year’s Literacy Reflections on Black History Elementary Competition! ALL are welcome! There will be refreshments, performances, and students will be spotlighted and celebrated for their submissions!