Iowa Juneteenth Observance A Program of The Des Moines Urban Experience “Marking 31 Years of Service to the Iowa Community” 2021 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Contest Sponsored by Drake University Juneteenth is an international observance marking the end to slavery on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth will celebrate 156 years of celebration during 2021. The Iowa Juneteenth Observance will mark its 31st anniversary as well. On April 11, 2002, Governor Tom Vilsack signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as an official day of recognition in Iowa that is observed annually on the third Saturday in June. This year’s theme for Iowa Juneteenth 2021 is “A Family Affair.” ELIGIBILITY: The essay contest is statewide and open to “all students” enrolled in grades 9 through 11. We encourage essayists to enlist the guidance of a teacher or other adult when completing the essay. The essay contest serves as an inspirational vehicle for youth to strengthen appreciation for: 1) scholarship, 2) cultural diversity; and 3) the enhancement of community relations. ESSAY QUESTION: “How have the events in 2020/2021 impacted you and/or your community and how would you mend the cultural divide in this country.” CONTEST RULES REQUIREMENTS: 1) Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 700 words; 2) Essays may be typed or word-processed (double spaced); 3) Essayists must use at least 5 sources of information from books, newspapers, magazines, or websites which must be listed (cited) on a separate page and submitted with the essay; 4) Submit a color photo (portrait style – headshot), and 5) Complete the Student Information Form provided with this application which can be accessed at www.iowajuneteenth.com TOP HONORS: Each of the three winning essayists will receive a trophy. In addition, the first-place winner will receive a $1,000.00 cash prize, the second-place winner will receive a $500.00 cash prize, and the third-place winner will receive a $250.00 cash prize. The trophies and cash prizes are scheduled to be presented at an Iowa Juneteenth Observance awards ceremony in Des Moines (TBA) and winning essayists must be present to receive their trophies/ cash prizes. DEADLINE: Submit your essay, along with the Student Information Form, your photo, and your list of reading sources, by email, on or before Friday April 30th, 2021, to Nakia Ewing at nakiae78@gmail.com or send the original essay by regular mail (postmarked by April 30th, 2021) to: The Des Moines Urban Experience Iowa Juneteenth Essay Contest PO Box 3092, Des Moines, Iowa 50316
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