People's World African American History Month Competition

African American History Month 2016

Arts and Writing Competition for High School Students

Sponsored annually by the Connecticut People's World Committee to remember the

lives and work of Dalzenia Henry and Virginia Henry who devoted themselves to the

young people of New Haven and to making a better future.

What Lessons from Reconstruction Era for 2016?

150 years ago at the end of the Civil War, the election of 1866 ushered in the period known as Reconstruction. Poor whites in the South came together with formerly enslaved Africans and free Blacks to elect legislators who for the first time provided public education and a measure of equal justice. Within a decade, these governments were overthrown by Ku Klux Klan (KKK) terror and federal government betrayal.

Express in artwork, poetry, essay or song:

What lessons can we learn from that period as we approach the elections of 2016? How can we overcome divisions and build unity so we can end voter suppression, stop police killings and guarantee a future for everyone filled with jobs and opportunity?

Requirements + Art work – Paper size not larger than 12” x 18”

+ Essay, poem or song – Not longer than 2 pages

Deadline Entries must be received by 5 pm on Thursday, February 18, 2016

Name, address, phone, e-mail, age, school, teacher's name (where applicable) must be included

Submission Electronic: ct-pww@pobox.com

Mail: CT People's World, 37 Howe Street, New Haven. CT 06511

Prizes Gift certificates ($100 first place, $50 second place, $25 third place) and books

Presentation Prizes and recognition for all entries will be presented on Sunday, February 28,

2016 at 4:00 pm at the New Haven Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street, New Haven

during the 42nd Annual African American History Month Celebration sponsored by

the Connecticut People's World Committee.

Information 203-624-4254 or e-mail to: ct-pww@pobox.com