Grand Rapids students invited to write about the life of Rosa Parks
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As part of their mission to provide continuing education on the impact that Rosa Parks had on this nation, the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission (CRC) and the Office of Equity and Engagement are once again hosting the Rosa Parks Essay Writing Contest.
Students in grades 9-12 who live in Grand Rapids or attend a school in Grand Rapids are encouraged to write an original essay which focuses and reflects this year’s prompt: “Quiet Courage to Digital Voices.”
Every generation has its own tools, and history remembers not the tools but how they were utilized. Rosa Parks used the tools available to her to mobilize her message whether it was through the radio, word of mouth, and print until it touched hearts and reshaped a nation. Now, the ability to mobilize your message has gotten easier with the use of modern technology (i.e. smartphones, computers, and AI) in which a single post, video, or hashtag has the ability to reach thousands of people with the potential of defining someone’s legacy.
The prompts ask students “Just like how Rosa Parks used the media of her time to amplify her message. What role should social media play in creating positive change today?”
Winning student authors will be awarded $1,000-first place, $750-second place and $500-third place prizes for each group (9-10 grade and 11-12 grade).
“This contest is about more than remembering Rosa Parks’ legacy. It’s about equipping the next generation to understand the power of their own voices,” said Brandon D. Davis, managing director of the Office of Oversight & Public Accountability and Office of Equity & Engagement. “Young people have access to tools that can reach and influence others in ways previous generations could not have imagined. We want to encourage them to use those tools thoughtfully, courageously and in ways that create positive change in their communities.”
Essay submissions are due Oct. 16 via crc@grcity.us or must be postmarked by that date. The winning essays will be announced at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Grand Rapids City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 9th Floor, 300 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids. For more details visit https://bit.ly/4A5g3BI.
Dec. 1 marks the 71st anniversary of the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. In 2010, the City of Grand Rapids dedicated a sculpture to honor the life of this brave woman who changed American society in a monumental way. The bronze monument standing at the entrance of Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, is a message to those who continue her work, uphold her philosophy, and demonstrate dignity with the pride and courage with perseverance.
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