News
Celebrate Black History Month with the Commonwealth
1/11/2024
The 2024 national theme for Black History Month is African Americans and the Arts, which celebrates how African Americans have used visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary art, and many other forms of cultural expression to share lived experiences and influence culture.
In observance of this year’s theme, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Multi-Agency Black History Month Committee is hosting a Contest among middle school and high school students to emphasize African Americans and the Arts. Three winners will be selected. Each winner will receive a prize and have their work showcased at the virtual Black History Month Program.
In celebrating the entire history of African Americans and the Arts, the Committee will spotlight the richness of the past and present with an eye toward what the rest of the twentieth-first century will bring.
The Black History Program will consist of speakers, entertainment, slide shows, and an awards ceremony announcing the winners of the contest.
Black History Program (Virtual)
Thursday, February 21, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
To RSVP or ask questions, please call Morgan Davis at 717-317-0088 or email blackhistorycommittee@pa.gov
Black History Month Contest
This year’s contest is meant to spread a message of education and encouragement, designed to stimulate discussion and bridge cultures in furtherance of the national theme.
Disclaimer: All submissions will become property of the Commonwealth’s Multi-Agency Black History Month Planning Committee and will not be returned. All submissions will be held in accordance with the record retention schedule for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Eligibility: The contest is open to current middle school students in grades 6-8 and high school students in grades 9-12 who reside in and attend school in Pennsylvania.
Forms of Submission:
• Poem
• Dance Video
• Musical Selection
Poem Rules: The poem must have two parts: 1) Title page, 2) Poem. The poem must be listed on a separate page and not reference the applicant's name or information.
1. Title Page Contents:
a. Poem title
b. Applicant’s name, grade, address, phone number & email
c. Applicant’s school name & address
d. Principal’s name, address, phone & email address
2. Poem Contents:
a. Poem can be written in any poetic style
Dance Video Rules:
1. Title Page Contents:
a. Dance title
b. Applicant(s) name(s), grade(s), address(es), phone number(s) & email(s)
c. Applicant(s) school name & address
d. Principal’s name, address, phone number & email address
2. Video Contents:
a. Video recording not to exceed three (3) minutes in length
3. By submitting a video for the event, you and participants grant consent for all or part of the video to be used by the Multi-Agency Black History Month Committee, and authorizes its rebroadcast on multiple platforms utilized by the Committee.
Musical Selection Rules: Students may select to sing, rap, or play a musical instrument.
1. Title Page Contents:
a. Song title (if performing a cover song include the original artist’s name)
b. Applicant(s) name(s), grade(s), address(es), phone number(s) & email(s)
c. Applicant(s) school name & address
d. Principal’s name, address, phone number & email address
2. Video Contents:
a. Video recording not to exceed three (3) minutes in length
3. By submitting a video for the event, you and participants grant consent for all or part of the video to be used by the Multi-Agency Black History Month Committee, and authorizes its rebroadcast on multiple platforms utilized by the Committee.
Submission Deadline: All submissions must be made by the School Principal. Submissions must be submitted no later than Friday, January 19, 2024, to blackhistorycommittee@pa.gov.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Multi-Agency Black History Month Committee believes this event to be educational and encourages student participation.
Thank you for your attention and consideration of this matter.
