WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
Juneteenth (June 19) is the oldest celebration marking the end of slavery in the US and was first celebrated in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Officially named Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19 is now officially recognized as a federal holiday.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS
- High School Juniors and Seniors in Greenville County (Greenville County Schools, charter school and homeschool students are eligible)
- Proof of Acceptance to a Historically Black College or University
- Students of Color (includes students who identify as Black, African American, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, Latinx, Chicanx, Native American and multiracial)
ESSAY QUESTIONS AND GUIDELINES
Students must select one of the following essay questions and answer with a 500+ word essay, either typed or handwritten. Students may apply for one scholarship from either the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The prompt selected must correspond to the scholarship for which the applicant wishes to apply.
Essay Questions:
- What is Juneteenth and what does it mean to me? What role can the National Council of Negro Women play in eliminating disparity?
- What is Juneteenth and what does it mean to me? What role can the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People play in eliminating disparity?
WINNERS
- Winners must be available to attend the Juneteenth at Unity Park event on Friday, June 16 at 4 PM.
- Winners will be asked to read their essays at the event.
- Two winners will receive a $500 scholarship provided by the Greenville County Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
DEADLINE
Essays must be submitted by Friday, May 19th at 12 PM.
View a printable version of the rules here.