Earlier this month, the St. Louis Rams, the St. Louis American and Better Family Life worked together to conclude this year’s St. Louis Rams Black History Month essay contest.
Students from grades one through five were asked to write an essay or draw a picture explaining the importance of black history. First and second grade students drew pictures of their African-American heroes. Third through fifth graders wrote essays about their African-American role models.
From civil rights leaders to athletes, the students highlighted influential people in history and how their contributions have enriched us all. Other students used this opportunity to explain what black history means to them.
A winner and runner-up were picked from each grade level. These students will receive an autographed Rams poster, Rams gift pack and an invitation to a Rams’ football game this fall.
The following students were chosen for their great work:
Winners:
Payton Johnson, first grade, Bryan Hill
Patrice Patton, second grade, Wilson School
Raina Brooks, third grade, Kennard
Natasjah Sigh, fourth grade, Highland Elementary
Marci Woods, fifth grade, Mark Twain
Runners-Up:
Travis Pearson, first grade, Mark Twain
Briahna Thomas, second grade, Stix Elementary
Torey Dunlap, third grade, Kennard
Styles Price, fourth grade, Mallinkrodt
Ghia Johnson, fifth grade, Shaw Elementary
In addition, Reiko Young, a fifth grader from Peabody Elementary, was the Grand Prize winner with the following poem. Reiko will also receive an autographed jersey.
“What Black History Month Means to Me”
Black History Month means to me, that I was born into a legacy; it’s a short month, but look at its power:
It’s a month of spirituality (Lent), leap year, the celebration of love (Valentine’s Day), and a month that makes the nation pay tribute to my Black Heroes and Sheroes.
Today, because of Black History, I can lift my voice and sing, thank you so much Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.
I am free to express myself, and write essays and plays, and I thank you Maya Angelou for showing me the way.
Doors have been opened, and some doors are still closed, that makes my spirit vex, but in spite of it all, I know I’m blessed and thank you for the “ballot or the bullet,”Sir Malcom X.
I can now perform and dance in places with class and grace n like Josephine Baker, who broke the barrier and danced with another race.
Although time moves on, and some people’s thoughts remain small, nevertheless, I will sing with the angels like Marion Anderson at Carnige Hall.
Ah … freedom, what a price my race paid, when Harriett Tubman led the way, and Nelson Mandela showed South Africa there is a better, and a brand new day.
Agriculture was never the same when George Washington Carver rocked the game.
I can go on and on, my race is a beautiful rainbow, who has fought and struggled for unity, and in my community I will be a leader when it’s my time to come on the scene n because I took notes from Cleopatra, another African Queen.
In my life time, I would like, or better yet, I will stand and voice this prophecy that one day there will be one book (that’s based on facts) called HISTORY.
Now, in closing, I promise to salute my forefathers, and respect myself, and welcome the fact, that I, Reiko Young, forevermore will represent 365 BLACK.
Now, that’s what Black History month means to me.