BHM Essay Competition

Writing heals...

Why An Annual Essay Competition?


Our reasons are not far fetched and there are a few of them:

  • Our children have lots of ideas, they are creative and intelligent and so, it is good to learn from them.
  • We want to encourage them to learn about the past and come up with ideas for the future.
  • We want to honor the history of Blacks especially in Canada through this annual event.
  • Writing is therapeutic.


2022 Competition:

  • Ask:
    • Discuss the contribution of a black Heroine or Hero to Canada and how that Heroine or Hero has positively impacted your life on an individual level.
  • Participant Profile:
    • Senior School students resident in Canada
    • Must be in grade 11 or 12
    • Undergraduates
  • Submission requirements: 
    • One video recording of not more than 3 minutes (file name: FIRST NAME - LAST NAME-VIDEO)
      • Please upload this on YouTube (unlisted) and provide the URL in your submission.
    • A 2-page essay, APA style with single spacing (file name: FIRST NAME - LAST NAME-ESSAY.PDF)
    • A short BIO of maximum of 350 words (file name: FIRST NAME - LAST NAME-BIO.PDF)
    • A professional headshot of 750 x 750 px (file name: FIRST NAME - LAST NAME.JPEG)
  • Submission window:  
    • Entries Open - Nov 22nd, 2021 
    • Entries Close - Jan 16th, 2022
  • How to submit?
    • Send your response in ONE email to info@cnpngo.ca
  • Modalities:
    • The CNP team will review all entries and decide winners based on the quality of content received.
    • The winners will be announced during BHM Celebration and Essay Competition Event in February 2022. 
    • Specific date will be made available as soon as possible here on our website and on CNP social media platforms.
  • Prizes:
    • 1st Place Winner receives $1,000
    • 2nd Place Winner receives $750
    • 3rd Place Winner receives $500
    • PS: All winners will receive a certificate from a Canadian Public Official and a celebration plaque.


Past BHM Essay Competition Winners


2020 Winners

  • Olayimika Ogunjobi
  • Esther Johnson
  • Immanuel Okoroafor



2021 Winners

Calah Iyase

My name is Calah Osamudiamen Iyase. I was born and raised in Nigeria, but lived in the US for a few years before I moved to Canada. I’m 15 years old and in Grade 10. I’m very familiar with social media and try my best to not be biased when expressing my views and takes. I am a proud Nigerian-Canadian, and I love to participate in my culture. My mom is certainly my biggest inspiration so I really look up to her.

Amah Igwilo

My name is Amalachukwu (Amah) Igwilo, I was born in 2004 and I am Nigerian. As a child I have always aspired to be a medical doctor and I one day hope of achieving this dream. During my free time I enjoy drawing and creative writing, any way to express my self creatively. The biggest values in my life are my family and God. 


Inspired by the hard working people in my life, I believe in hard work and the benefits that comes with it. I live by the motto “Everyday by every way I am getting better and better by God’s grace”, in hopes on becoming the best version of myself.

Nicola Odu

Hello, my name is Nicola Jessica Odu and I am a Nigerian Canadian who studies at Bishop P.F. Reding Catholic Secondary School. There are quite a few things about me that I would love to share! 

 

For one, I love to dig deeper into topics that focus on racism and prejudice in Canada and have profound conversations with friends, classmates and family on how to fix these issues that affect the black community. I enjoy trying foods from all different types of cultures, reading crime novels and listening to political podcasts. I take pleasure in giving back to my community and hope to continue my journey of self-discovery in the medical field.  

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