Black History Month Essay Contest 2026

All students interested in submitting an essay for the 2026 contest should complete the registration form by January 23, 2026 below. 

All essays are due February 8, 2026.

The topics and prompts for this year's contest are: 

1)  Mary Rice Farris (b. 1914; d. 1977): 

Mary Rice Farris broke barriers in her community. Research her life and explain what obstacles she faced and how her achievements opened doors for others who came after her.

2) United States Colored Troops in Kentucky during the Civil War: 

Kentucky was a border state during the Civil War—it didn't officially leave the Union, but it also allowed slavery and many white Kentuckians supported the Confederacy. For African American men deciding whether to join the United States Colored Troops, what risks did they face? What made them choose to fight anyway?

Please review our Local Black History Resources Guide to get started.

Have questions? Contact us at ourlandofpromise.heritage@gmail.com.