The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) announced its 2006 Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest, in cooperation with the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools' Teaching American History grant. Students in grades nine through twelve in local public or private schools are encouraged to submit an essay on the topic, "The Price of Activism: Self-Sacrifice in African-American History." The deadline for entry submission is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2006, at the Georgia Historical Society. First Prize is a cash award of $500, second prize is a cash award of $250, and third prize is a cash award of $100.
Essays will be judged by a panel of qualified judges from the Georgia Historical Society, Savannah State University and Armstrong Atlantic State University, the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. The top five essay writers will be invited to present their essays at a public reception at the Georgia Historical Society (501 Whitaker Street) on Friday, February 17, where the three winners will be selected by a second panel of judges.
Students are encouraged to use the scholarly resources at their disposal in Savannah as they research their essays. The Georgia Historical Society has an extensive collection of materials related to African-American history, including manuscripts and books, visual materials and other artifacts, and clippings files. Reference librarians are prepared to assist students with their research. Other materials can be found at Savannah's public libraries and in the libraries of Savannah State and Armstrong Atlantic State Universities.
Complete details and registration materials are available by following the education link at the Georgia Historical Society website.
Interested students and teachers may also call GHS at 651-2125, ext. 17 for more information or to request additional entry forms
