Essay Contest Prompt & Topic

The goal of the Racial Justice Essay Contest is to encourage students to engage with EJI's ongoing conversation about our nation's history and legacy of racial injustice by researching and writing an 800–1000-word essay.

Background: A false narrative of Black inferiority and white supremacy was developed to justify mass enslavement in the United States. Although the United States abolished slavery, the narrative of racial difference endures. EJI believes that true freedom in America begins with better understanding our history.

Prompt: Choose one historical event presented in EJI’s 2024 racial injustice calendar (also available through RJC) and write an 800 - 1,000-word essay that dives deeper into the significance, impact, and lasting effects of that event. Utilize the full research reports and videos available on EJI’s websites to provide a detailed and well-supported analysis.

Consider the broader implications of the event on society, the progress made since then, and the ongoing relevance of addressing racial injustice in today's world. Your essay should not only recount the historical facts but also critically examine the underlying causes and consequences of the injustice highlighted.