Montclair Book ESSAY CONTEST 2016–Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock

ESSAY PROMPT
The names Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Bryan Massery may not be well known, but the image of them from September 1957 surely is: a black high school girl, dressed in white, walking stoically in front of Little Rock Central High School, and a white girl standing directly behind her, face twisted in hate, screaming racial epithets. This famous photograph captures the full anguish of desegregation—in Little Rock and throughout the South—and an epic moment in the civil rights movement.  David Margolick’s book tells the remarkable story of two separate lives unexpectedly braided together.

Write an essay in which you make an argument for the possible meanings Elizabeth and Hazel:  Two Women of Little Rock might have for today’s readers. Here are some questions that may be useful:  What did you learn from reading this book?  How might the book be helpful in talking about racism and discrimination?  What does it mean to take a stand against social injustice? Your essay should also make specific references to passages in Elizabeth and Hazel that support your conclusions.

ESSAY CONTEST REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES:
Length: Between 1,000-1,500 words
Format: Double space and use a 12-point font
Submission:  Entries must include a separate title page with your name, essay title, and contact information: phone number, email address, and mailing address.

Evaluation criteria:
Each essay will be judged based on the extent and effectiveness with which it:
•  Engages audience
•  Communicates an argument effectively
•  Uses persuasive evidence
•  Addresses the question asked

Eligible contestants: Open to all undergraduates enrolled at Montclair State University during the Fall 2015 or Spring 2016 semester

Prizes:
1 winner will receive $100
2 runner ups will receive $25 each

Submission Deadline extended: Monday, April 11, 2016

How to Submit:  Send an electronic copy to cwe@montclair.edu and in the subject line enter “Montclair Book Essay Contest.”  Entries must include a separate title page with your name, essay title, and contact information: phone number, email address, and mailing address. In the email message, indicate the college or school in which you enrolled, the degree for which you are a candidate, and when you expect to graduate. If you have not yet declared a major, please indicate that as well. Entries without these requirements will not be accepted.