In honor of Black History Month, U.S. Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr. is launching his first annual Black History Essay Contest, a chance for high school students in the Congressman’s district to share their dreams for a stronger, more inclusive America.
“This Black History Month, I am asking students to learn from the past to formulate their vision for an even brighter future,” Carter says. “I encourage every 10th and 11th-grade student who resides in the second congressional district to submit an essay to this contest and take some time to consider what their hopes and dreams are for our shared community. After all, we have to be able to imagine a better world in order to build one. Happy writing, and Happy Black History Month.”
The prompt for the essay contest is as follows:
At the March on Washington, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream for the future of America. Fifty-nine years later, our nation today still faces enormous challenges as we strive to become a more perfect union. In 500 words or less, share your dream for our nation and your vision of actions to make that “Dream” a reality.

The Congressman Troy Carter Black History Essay Contest is open to high school sophomores and junior whose official residence lies within Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. The contest will close at 6 p.m. on March 8.
The essay contest winner will receive a certificate of recognition, their essay will be highlighted on the Congressman’s online platforms, and they will be offered the opportunity for the student and a guardian to attend an unveiling ceremony celebrating their essay in Washington, D.C. To determine eligibility and answer other questions about the contest, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page on Congressman Carter’s website.
Flyers advertising the contest can be found and downloaded here.