Black History Month Scholarships

Black History Month actually began as "Negro History Week", a week in February chosen to include the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. These particular dates were selected in order to ensure the week would not just focus on African Americans, but members of other races connected to the history of African Americans and of the United States as a whole. This week-long tribute was originally established by Carter G. Woodson back in 1926 and it wasn't until 1976, a full 50 years later, that this celebration of an essential part of our country’s history was expanded into the month-long event we recognize today.

At the time Black History Month began, most history books contained very little information about African Americans, with a few exceptions, such as George Washington Carver. Since its creation, Black History Month has played an important role in highlighting the important contributions of African Americans throughout history. It has been over thirty years since Negro History Week became Black History Month and the hope is held by many that one day it will no longer exist at all, that Black History will simply be part of American History and thus will be taught year-round.

To continue to fight the inequalities noted when Black History Month was created, numerous scholarship awards have been created to encourage students to learn, think, and write more extensively about Black History. While some Black History scholarships are scholarships for minorities, others are essay scholarships open to students of all backgrounds. In addition, many Black History scholarships are local scholarships, sponsored by an organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the diversity in history among students in a particular city or state. A few Black History scholarships are listed below. To determine whether you’re eligible for these, as well as many other college scholarships and scholarship essay contests, conduct a free college scholarship search.

• The Detroit Pistons' "Know Your Black History Tour" Scholarship Contest
  The "Know Your Black History" scholarship contest gives high school students an opportunity to express what black history means to them via poetic, artistic or literary expression for the chance to win a $1,000 college scholarship, courtesy of Rock Financial. This year, the Pistons and Rock Financial have expanded the scholarship contest to accept entries from students anywhere in Michigan. To learn more on how to enter, click on the "Contest Rules" link in the Related Stories box at http://www.nba.com/pistons/community/bht_videos.html. Entries will be accepted between Feb. 1 and Feb. 22.
• Black History Committee Scholarship
  The Black History Committee was founded by HCC Board of Trustees members Bruce Austin (District II) and Dr. Michael P. Williams (District IV). They are joined by trustee Christopher W. Oliver (District IX) and the entire Black History Committee in supporting activities that highlight black history and achievements and in enhancing educational opportunities for African-American and other students attending Houston Community College. The Black History Committee Scholarship is available to students taking a minimum of six hours (two classes) at HCC. The scholarship fund is supported by gifts from committee members, faculty, staff, and individuals and organizations from throughout Houston. The Committee raises additional funds through its annual Black History Celebration Gala. Students may apply for both the HELC and the Black History Committee Scholarship through the HCC Foundation scholarship application.
• The Holland & Knight Dream Scholarship
  The Atlanta office of Holland & Knight LLP proudly sponsors its annual essay contest for high school seniors to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the many African-American heroes who have worked and dreamed for a better America. This scholarship offers a $5,000 first prize and is available exclusively to students attending the following Atlanta high schools:
  • The New Schools at Carver Frederick Douglass High School
  • Henry W. Grady High School
  • Mays High School
  • North Atlanta High School
  • South Atlanta High School
  • Southside High School
  • Daniel McLaughlin Therrell High School
  • Booker T. Washington High School
  • Alonzo A. Crim Open Campus High School