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February 28, 2012
LOCAL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS WIN BLACK HISTORY MONTH
ESSAY CONTEST
Three eighth-grade students took top honors in a statewide essay
contest on Claudette Colvin and her courage in the face of racism,
prejudice and discrimination, the New York State Bar Association
announced today.
Evangelene Gallimore of Wyandanch (Milton L. Olive Middle School)
took first-place honors, while Harley Anderson of Sinclairville
(Cassadaga Valley Central School) and Bralynn Peterkin of Rochester
(Joseph C. Wilson Magnet Foundation Academy) were awarded second- and
third-place honors.
“This year’s contest winners proved that they know the
importance of good citizenship. Each student wrote with excellent
clarity and understanding of a troubling time in American
history,” said Richard Bader of Albany (New Visions Law &
Government Program), chair of the Law, Youth & Citizenship
Committee. “I congratulate each winner on a job well
done.”
Essays were based on the 2009 book, “Claudette Colvin: Twice
Toward Justice,” written by Philip Hoose. Colvin refused to give
up her bus seat to a white woman nine months before Rosa Parks. She also
testified in the Browder v. Gayle court case that ended segregation on
buses in Montgomery, Alabama.
Students submitted essays that detailed how Colvin demonstrated
courage and determination when faced with racism, prejudice and
discrimination. Winners will meet the author at the Robert H. Jackson
Center in Jamestown on February 29.
The State Bar’s Law, Youth & Citizenship Program and the
Jackson Center co-sponsor the annual contest.
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in
1876.
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