Arts and Writing Competition: Harriet Tubman and the Right to Vote

African American History Month 2020

Arts and Writing Competition for Students Grades 8 to 12 Sponsored annually by Connecticut People's World Committee to remember the lives and dedication of Dalzenia Henry and Virginia Henry to the youth of New Haven and to make a better future.

Harriet Tubman and the Right to Vote

“If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going." -- Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman (c. 1822-1913) was born into slavery in Maryland. She was an extraordinary abolitionist and freedom fighter. After escaping to the North for freedom, she repeatedly risked her life and returned to the South as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She rescued more than 300 from bondage. During the Civil War, she was the first woman officer in the Union Army. After the war, she became a passionate champion for the right to vote for African Americans and for women as part of the Suffrage movement.
Harriet Tubman's remarkable courage and determination is a powerful lesson for us in the ongoing freedom struggle. The democratic right to vote is currently under assault. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 has been undermined. The fight for Black voting rights and voting rights for people of color and poor people continues in the courts and on the streets, and is heating up with the approach of the 2020 elections.
In May the Treasury Secretary said as long as Trump is in office the scheduled Harriet Tubman $20 bill will not take place. It will replace the image of slave-holder Andrew Jackson,. Until he died, civil rights leader Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland led the demand to issue the Harriet Tubman $20 in 2020 as scheduled.

Express in artwork, essay, poetry, rap or song:

Respond to two or more questions

• How does suppression of voting rights, directed at keeping people of color from voting, affect our quality of life? 
• What is the impact of voter suppression on government policies for education, housing, healthcare, climate change and spending priorities? 
• How does voter suppression affect the freedom struggle for equality today?
• What would Harriet Tubman do in the 2020 elections? How can I as a young person make a difference for freedom and equality in 2020?

Requirements + Art work – Two dimensional (Drawings, paintings, collage, prints, photographs, etc.) Paper size not larger than 18” x 24”

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

Deadline Entries must be received by 5 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2020 MUST INCLUDE:

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

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 23,

2020 at 4:00 pm at Troup School during the 46th Annual African American History Month Celebration hosted by the Connecticut People's World Committee.

Information e-mail to: ct-pww@pobox.com Phone messages can be left at: 203-624-8664