February each year, America celebrates Black History Month.
This year the City of Belmont and the Belmont Library are partnering to host an essay contest about the importance of Black History Month.
According to the San Mateo County Libraries website, “Black History Month is a way to honor and recognize all that African Americans have done, not just in the fight for equality, but for the betterment of our country as a whole.”
The contest was open to all students in sixth through 12th grade, and all entries were expected to be at least 500 words.
All entries were due Feb. 22, and the awards ceremony is set to take place sometime in early March.
Freshman Janelle Kwofie entered the contest to remind people in her community of the African Americans who made a significant change.
Students were given an option of three prompts to choose from. Janelle Kwofie chose the prompt about an event in black history that influenced America’s way of life and why.
Janelle Kwofie said, “I wrote about this prompt so I could help people reflect on who helped America progress and push forward.”
I wrote about this prompt so I could help people reflect on who helped America progress and push forward.
— Janelle Kwofie
Other students like Earl Kwofie, a junior, didn’t enter the contest due to timing issues. However, Earl supports the idea of the essay contest.
”I think it’s a great idea, and it’s great timing for the contest,” said Earl Kwofie.
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