In honor of Black History Month, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly is reaching out to children to talk about their favorite African American heroes.
She is inviting students from kindergarten through eighth grade to participate in her second annual Black History Month Video Contest that pays tribute to any or all of the accomplishments of African-Americans.
In the short video, students can describe why it’s important to celebrate black history month, the moment in African American history that resonates most with them, or how they believe schools should celebrate the month.
“History is full of African Americans who have made vital contributions to the development of the United States,” said Kelly, a Matteson Democrat who represents the 2nd Congressional District. “During this year’s Black History Month, students will have the opportunity to honor these heroes.”
The video must be 90 seconds or shorter, and answer one of the following questions: Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month? What moment in black history is most relevant to you? How do you think schools should celebrate Black History Month?
Videos can be made and submitted individually or an entire classroom project.
The top videos will be on Kelly’s website, while others submitted will appear on her YouTube channel.
Kelly will watch every video and rate them on the following criteria: answers to the contest questions, content, creativity, production and presentation. Three videos will be chosen, one in each age range: kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth and sixth through eighth.
Last year, Kelly received 32 video submissions. The congresswoman hopes for even more submissions this year.
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“Young people love to express themselves through video so this competition gives them the opportunity to share their perspectives on historical figures and events that resonate with them in a medium they use every day,” Kelly said. “It’s a great way to encourage them to learn more about Black History Month in a fun, creative way.”
Kelly also regularly visits area schools to deliver books through the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program. The program began in 2015 because she wanted to challenge students in a create way to honor black history month.
“The contest gives students the opportunity to express themselves in a creative way and tell their own story of why Black History Month is important to them,” said Mary Paleologos, district deputy press secretary for Kelly.
Submissions should be sent to [email protected] no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 24. The top videos will be announced Feb. 29.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.