“The African American in
Texas:
Past and
Present”
The
state of Texas is rich in history and many individuals who have experienced
World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and
other important historical events are still alive.
However, many of these individuals are elderly and the opportunity to
glean from them their first-hand experiences will not last indefinitely.
TOPIC
SUGGESTION FOR THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION:
This year marks the
50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Special materials and
resources will be available on our website to research this topic.
We encourage teachers and students to contribute to the documentation
of this historical event by using this anniversary as the topic for the
essay submitted to the competition this year.
Students can research and write about individuals and events in their
community that were part of the civil rights movement that led to the
development and passage of the Voting Rights Act.
We further encourage students to interview and record the personal
stories of individuals who witnessed the impact and changes that came about
as the result of this legislation.
Selection of the Voting Rights Act as an essay topic is optional.
Who
can participate?
The
competition is open to all Texas high school students in grades 9 through
12.
Participation provides high
school students the opportunity to explore history by talking with
grandparents, aunts and uncles, as well as community, business and religious
leaders about their neighborhood and community and then develop an essay
related to the theme.
How do I get started?
Read the “Student Contest Guide.”
A copy may be downloaded
from this website or you may request a copy by emailing
deb_duval@mail.utexas.edu.
The guide contains all of the information, rules and guidelines to
enter the competition.
Please contact us if you have any additional
questions.