To enter the Black History Scholar Essay Competition you will need to research and submit an essay of no more than 1,500 words on ONE of the following essay questions:

	In August 2007, the New Nation Newspaper published Britain's first ever 'Power List', containing the top 100 most influential black men and women in the country. Study the list and answer the following questions: (a) What is the significance of the Power List? (b) Choose ONE person from the list that you most admire and tell us why.
	Knowledge of the African continent must include an understanding of the ancient African kingdoms and civilisations, which existed before slavery, colonisation and imperialism. Choose ONE of the following ancient African empires: (a) Songhai  (b) Axum  (c) Benin  (d) Kush. In relation to your chosen empire, answer the following questions: (a)  Where was the empire located and when did it exist? (b)  What were the key characteristics of this empire and what products did it produce or trade? (c)  What led to the fall of this empire? (d)  In your opinion, why was this empire important and what monuments, artefacts or evidence exists today to support your view?
	What led to the Haitian Revolution of 1791-1804? Who was involved and what was its significance?
	African resistance and rebellion led to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Choose ONE of the following African freedom fighters and explain their role, contribution and importance to the abolition movement: (a) Nanny of the Maroons (Caribbean) (b) Frederick Douglass (North America) (c) Oladuah Equiano (Europe) (d) Queen Nzinga (Africa)

 
There are three age categories in this competition:

• 11 and 12 year olds
• 13 and 14 year olds
• 15 year olds

First Prize in each age category is

• the title of Black History Scholar 2008 (in Historical Research)
• an educational scholarship fund of £1,000
• the publication of the winning essays.

1. You can enter this competition as an individual.

2. Only one essay per entrant will be accepted.

3. All entries must be:
No more than 1,500 words long;
Typed on A4 paper and double spaced;
Accompanied by a completed Scholar Competition Entry Form

4. Send your entries to:
Black History Scholar 2007/08
3Ci
P.O. Box 21515
London E10 7XF

5. The closing date for all essay entries is Friday 01 February 2008

For further information contact us on 020 8539 7913 or email

Here are a few simple guidelines and research material to help you write a brilliant and maybe even an award-winning essay!

Essay Writing Guide

download the guide

Right-click link and choose Save Target As to download 

View the general competition rules here »