New Deadline
The Carter G. Woodson 2021 Black History Essay Competition
for Students in Grades 10-12 and at Marshall University
Sponsor : Omega Psi Phi, Marshall University
Cosponsor : The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum,
Marshall University
Contact:
Corey Cunningham, cunningha189@marshall. edu,
or Professor Burnis Morris, morrisb@marshall.edu .
Eligibility:
There are four separate divisions for the competition based on three high school levels — for
students in grades 10, 11, and 12 — and one level for all Marshall University students.
Prizes:
$100 each to winners in grades 10, 11, and 12; $150 to the Marshall University winner
Deadline:
By 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020
Theme:
The 2021 local Black History theme is “Diversity and Racial Justice.” For background on the
theme and information about Dr. Woodson, a former Huntington educator, and Father of Black
History, please visit:
https://www.herald-dispatch.com/opinion/burnis-r-morris-woodson-s-black-history-blueprint-lai
d-out/article_bb37e7bf-f281-5411-9ff4-b58aa878eb4d.html
Criteria
Essays will be judged on
● The extent to which students effectively express the need for diversity and racial justice
in keeping with Dr. Woodson’s Work.
● Correct use of spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
● Organization, arguments, and conclusions also will be considered by judges.
Format
Please note the following requirements:
1. The student’s name and grade level should be typed on the top left of the page (line 1).
Marshall students should state their names, year in school, and major on the top line.
2. On line 2, type the essay’s — “Need for Diversity and Racial Justice” — flush left or
centered. Begin the composition on line 3, flush left. Separate paragraphs with line
spaces.
3. Page setup should be 1-inch margins, and text should be double-spaced using a 12-point
font in Times New Roman. Essays should be submitted only in Microsoft Word. Please
avoid Google docs because they often require permissions that correspondents forget to
provide.
4. Create a name for the Word doc to be attached in this style: Your
Lastname_BlackHistoryEssay_2021 (Example: Morris_BlackHistoryEssay_2021).
Submission
Scan the entry form (located below) and email it with the essay as on attachments to Professor
Burnis Morris, The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum: morrisb@marshall.edu . Students may also
print the form and essay and mail them to Professor Burnis Morris, SOJMC, 1 John Drive,
Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755. Contact us if you prefer to hand deliver the printed
documents. However, the deadline for entries to reach us remains unchanged.
Deadline by 5 p.m., Sunday, November 22, 2020
Background
Dr. Carter G. Woodson is considered the Father of Black History. He received his high school
diploma from Frederick Douglass High School in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1896, and
returned four years later as principal. A statue of Dr. Woodson is located at 820 Hall Greer
Blvd., in Huntington. About Dr. Woodson: www.marshall.edu/woodsonlyceum/
Other Important Information
● Winners must complete paperwork for payments of the awards.
● Winners (including parents/guardians of minors) grant permission for use of the winning
essays in printed forms and online in various promotions.
● Winners are expected to attend the awards program, which will likely be virtual, in
February dinner at Marshall in February.
● Visit www.marshall.edu/woodsonlyceum , where this information also will be available.
Application and Consent Form to Be Submitted with Essay
I am submitting the attached essay for consideration in the 2020-2021 Carter G. Woodson
Black History Essay Contest. I understand that by entering this contest if my essay is selected
as a winner, I am granting Omega Psi Phi and Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum at Marshall
University permission to publish and use my essay in all of their promotions.
Print or type Name of Student ___________ _____________________ Age ____________
Student’s Street Address _____________________ City ______________ State_______
Student’s email address _____________________ Phone# _________________
Grade in school or year in college _____ Name of school __________________________
Location of school City___________, State ______
Are you a Marshall Student _____ If yes, what is your major? _______________________
Signature of student _______________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian if Student is under 18 ________________________
Print or type name of parent or guardian _________________ Phone# __________________
Parent or guardian’s email ______________________________
Complete the above form and scan and attach it to the essay. Students also may print the
form and mail the typed essay. Email: morrisb@marshall.edu . Or US mail: Professor Burnis
Morris, The Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755