COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is pleased to announce the annual Black History Month Essay Contest, open to students in Middle School and High School.
The 2025 Black History Month Theme is “African Americans and Labor.” This theme highlights the impact of Black people’s work and how it shapes the experiences of Black people and the societies in which they live.
This year, students will be asked to answer a prompt in a short essay that focuses on their own future job goals and a historical or modern figure from Black History who shares and has excelled in that profession. ADAC will provide a list of various jobs and figures from Black History who have served in those roles that students can choose from as the subject of their essay. A scoring rubric will be provided for teachers to assist them in helping students to write strong essays.
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
What do you want to be when you grow up? Choose a Black person who has the same job (i.e., a teacher, a scientist, a doctor, a writer, etc.). Write an essay that tells us about that person and the impact they had on the job you hope to have someday. If you don’t know what you want to be yet, that’s okay; pick a job that sounds interesting to you! 250 words minimum.
High School (Grades 9-12)
Imagine your dream job and research a Black person who has excelled in that profession. Write an essay sharing how their experiences and challenges shaped their career and how you can learn from their story as you consider the same or a similar role in the future. 500 words minimum.
The deadline to submit essays is Sunday, February 23. Students interested in submitting their essay can download this form, or submit directly to Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov
For more information about ADAC and links to their monthly meetings, please visit: https://www.coconino.az.gov/93/African-Diaspora-Advisory-Council