Black Lives Matter The Focus Of 2021 Westport Teen Essay Contest

WESTPORT, CT — Teenagers will be asked "to address the advent of 'Black Lives Matter' on their nation and community" in the latest edition of the annual Westport Teen Diversity Essay Contest. The annual contest, in its eighth year in 2021, is co-sponsored by Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism (TEAM) Westport and the Westport Library.

This year’s prompt which is available along with contest entry rules online at www.teamwestport.org is as follows:

The statement "Black Lives Matter" has become politicized in our country. In 1000 words or fewer, describe your own understanding of the statement. Consider why conversations about race are often so emotionally charged. Given that reality, what suggestions do you have for building both equity and equality in our community and country?

"Since the murder of George Floyd, the nation has moved toward an inflection point on racial reckoning not seen since the Civil War," said TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey. "The ultimate resolution of that reckoning will have a profound effect upon the lives of our young citizens. Through it all, 'Black Lives Matter' has emerged as ubiquitous in message, aspiration, and vision. TEAM Westport looks forward to the exploration of the impact of this phenomenon on our nation and community by Westport students."

The deadline for the entries in the essay contest is Feb. 26, and the winners will be announced during a ceremony at the library on April 5 (date subject to coronavirus - COVID-19 - restrictions).

Depending on the volume and caliber of entries received, the judges will have the discretion to award up to three cash prizes; the first prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.

In previous years, the contest has tackled topics from "White Privilege" to "Micro-Aggressions" to "Stereotypes." The contest has drawn widespread attention and engagement in Westport and beyond.

"The events of this past year have brought our nation's and our community's attention to the reality of why 'Black Lives Matter,'" said First Selectman Jim Marpe. "I am grateful that TEAM Westport, in partnership with our local world-class centers of learning, the Westport Library and Westport Public Schools, allow our young adults a forum to confront the challenges and the opportunities that are presented by this important topic. The TEAM Westport essay contest has become an integral part of community life for teens in our town, and a great compliment to the excellent educational offerings we enjoy here in Westport."

Added Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer, "The library is once again pleased to partner with TEAM Westport on the Teen Diversity Essay Contest. This past year, filled with violence and hate, no doubt had a deep and long-lasting impact on our youth. This year"s essay contest could not be more timely - providing our youth with the opportunity to freely express, without judgement or recourse, how they are feeling."

Harmer also said that the library's mission includes a commitment to allow diverse perspectives to be heard and respected and that individual differences be valued.

"We strive to foster a culture that minimizes bias and addresses systemic inequities," Harmer said. "Our Strategic Plan focuses on the library creating and providing a welcoming, equitable environment that enables people of every background to succeed. The Library will continue to bring the topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into our programming and discussions, as a means of increasing awareness in the community and confronting the pernicious reach of racism."