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.
HCC Black History Committee Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
May 04, Annually
A wide variety of scholarships are available to Houston Community College students through the HCC Foundation. All scholarships require that the student be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at HCC; many require enrollment in 9 or 12 credit hours. Applicants will be considered for every scholarship for which they appear eligible.
The Black History Committee Scholarship is is supported by gifts [...] More
Holland and Knight Dream Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
Varies
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. Applicants must submit essays of no more than 1,200 on the following topic:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that influenced the thoughts and [...] More
Martin Luther King School Dream Foundation
Application Deadlines:
April 01, Annually
These awards are restricted to high school graduates and GED recipients who have attended the Martin Luther King Elementary School in Seattle, Washington, for a minimum of two years. Requirements for acceptance also include submission of an essay concerning the applicant's dreams for the future and demonstrated community service.
Awards are given to applicants who have been accepted for [...] More