The Michigan Council for History Education, in cooperation with Michigan Humanities Council, is offering students in fourth through 12th grade an opportunity to submit essays on the theme "Brown v. Board of Education: A 50th Anniversary Reflection," the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1954 landmark decision.

The 1,000-words-or-fewer essay should discuss the importance of the decision in shaping American society in the past 50 years, as well as its ongoing significance.
"We believe that students will learn about the key role of the Brown decision in helping determine the emergence of the civil rights movement," said Jim Cameron, executive director of the Michigan Council for History Education and a Saline High School teacher.

Brown was composed of five cases from Delaware, Kansas, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. There were almost 200 total plaintiffs, community activists at each site, and more than a dozen attorneys involved in these historic cases.

Maryland was the first legally segregated state to implement the Brown decision in the fall of 1954, one year ahead of the court’s deadline.

The essays will be judged on their creativity and originality; use of historical documents and events; thoughtful responses to the theme; and clear and effective presentation of ideas.

The original and two copies must be submitted to the Michigan Humanities Council office in Lansing by April 17. Mail them to MCHE & MHC Brown v. Board Essay Contest,
Jan Fedewa, executive director, Michigan Humanities Council, 119 Pere Marquette Drive, Suite 3B, Lansing MI 48912-1270.

To obtain a copy of contest guidelines and student entry forms, visit www.people.emich.edu/rolwell or contact Jim Cameron at cameronj@saline.k12.mi.us, or write to Jim Cameron, executive director, MCHE, Saline High School, 7190 N. Maple Road, Saline MI 48176.

For information on a related essay contest presented by National History Day, check out www.nationalhistoryday.org.

Winning essays writers will be informed in early May 2003. The official presentation will be made May 15 at a Brown v. Board 50th anniversary ceremony.

The first place winners at each grade grouping (4-6, 7-9 and 10-12) will receive $100 and second place will receive $50.