Toronto Black History Month Creative Writing Contest for Ages 11 – 17: Submit Entries by Feb.16, 2016

Mackenzie House celebrated Black History Month 2015: The exhibit "A Glimpse of Black Victorians" was on display. Visitors printed a copy of the Provincial Freeman; its creator, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was the first black woman to edit & publish a newspaper in North America. Image Courtesy of Toronto's Historic Sites (operated by the City of Toronto)
Mackenzie House celebrated Black History Month 2015: The exhibit “A Glimpse of Black Victorians” was on display. Visitors printed a copy of the Provincial Freeman; its creator, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was the first black woman to edit & publish a newspaper in North America. Image Courtesy of Toronto’s Historic Sites (operated by the City of Toronto)

To recognize Black History Month, Mayor John Tory is introducing the Mayor’s Black History Month Creative Writing Contest, which is designed for youth to engage on the topic of Black history and the achievements and contributions made by the community in Toronto.

Good Luck! / Bonne chance!

In addition to the contest, many City divisions are hosting Black History Month activities throughout February.

Celebrate Black History Month with FREE programs for everyone at the Toronto Public Library branches across the city.

NEWS RELEASE

Mayor Tory launches writing competition for young people to celebrate Black History Month in Toronto

Mayor John Tory is launching a writing competition to help celebrate Black History Month. Mayor Tory is inviting Toronto youth 11 to 17 years of age to share a story about black Torontonians, past or present, who have contributed to Toronto’s diverse heritage and identity.

“Throughout the history of Toronto, African-Canadians have contributed so much to make Toronto the world-class city it is today,” said Mayor Tory. “Black History Month is a time to honour the legacy of black Canadians. Through this contest, youth will have the opportunity to share a story about a black Torontonian who has touched their lives, whether it’s someone from the pages of our history books or a teacher in a classroom today.”

All submissions should be 500 words or less and can be in the form of an essay, poem, song lyrics, letter, or any other form of creative writing. Entries must be in by Tuesday, February 16 to qualify.

Two winners will be selected from each of two age categories: ages 11 to 13 and ages 14 to 17. Winners will be invited to read their entry (optional) during the Mayor’s Black History Month reception on Tuesday, February 23 at Toronto City Hall. Each winner will receive a recognition scroll signed by the Mayor, including an achievement plaque, and the winners’ submissions will be placed on the City of Toronto’s website and social media channels.

In addition to the contest, many City divisions are hosting Black History Month activities throughout February.

Contest details and rules, and more information about Black History Month events, are available at toronto.ca/blackhistory.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

Keerthana Kamalavasan
Office of the Mayor
647-460-7507
keerthana.kamalavasan@toronto.ca

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