florida black history month essay contest 2023 winners

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Garth Reeves 2023 Winners

by Content Team | Mar 30, 2023 | Event , Featured , Press Release , Story

Champions of Courage

4th annual black history month essay contest in honor of the late garth c. reeves, sr..

Breakthrough Miami is honored to celebrate the winners of the 4th Annual Black History Month Essay Contest in honor of veteran, community leader, equality and civil rights activist, black press magnate, the late Garth C. Reeves, Sr. 

This year’s theme, Champions of Courage: Honoring the Men and Women of Florida’s Civil Rights Movement , encouraged Scholars to Identify a person from Florida’s civil rights movement whose courage led to progress in the Sunshine State. Scholars’ writings explored how that person’s actions impacted the rights of African Americans in Florida and reflected on a time in their own lives when they found the courage to do something to help others. 

The civil rights movement shaped the culture and laws of the United States in the 20th century. The former slave states of the South, including Florida, were battlegrounds in the fight to end legally enforced segregation and discrimination. 

Jim Crow laws marginalized African Americans by denying them the right to vote, hold jobs, get an education, or other opportunities. Changing these laws required ordinary people to be courageous. Champions of change planned sit-ins at “whites only” lunch counters and wade-ins at hotel pools reserved for serving white customers. They became civically engaged and registered African-American voters to give voice to the voiceless, even at the risk of putting themselves and their families in danger. Each one enacted a small act of defiance garnering the attention of lawmakers, slowly reversing the tides of legal segregation. Political protests and civic engagement led to a gradual change in laws. Florida’s towns and cities slowly integrated buses, stores, theaters, beaches, and other public places. These changes would not be possible without the courage of the men and women of Florida’s civil rights movement. 

Breakthrough Scholars worked with Directors and Support Staff to identify a legend to research, reflect upon, and develop a compelling narrative demonstrating their contributions to Florida. Today, as we honor the legacy of Garth C. Reeves, Sr. and his mission to speak truth through the power and reach of one of the oldest black-owned media companies in South Florida, we celebrate our Scholars whose submissions reflect his vision, focusing on champions of courage whose stories are seldom told. The diverse subjects of their essays included great Floridians who inspire future generations, including Mary Mcleod Bethune, Patricia Stephens Due, Harry T. Moore, Johnnie Mae, Janie Price, and many others.

We are pleased to announce the winners in each category.

Elementary school winners:, 1st place: joselyn leverett, 5th grade, palmetto elementary school, legend: reverend c.k. steele.

“When it mattered, I learned how important it is to have the courage to speak up for myself. In the end, I felt proud and respected by my parents. It also felt great to lead and help others too. Overall, I have the courage to stand out and be noticed in class now.”

2nd Place: Benn Umugabo, 5th grade, Sunset Elementary School, Legend: Harry T. Moore

2nd place: benn umugabo, 5th grade, sunset elementary school,  legend: harry t. moore.

“His legacy is still known to this day which reminds me of a time when I needed the courage to help others. It was fourth grade and our class was learning about Kasai and their lack of clean bathing and drinking water. After we learned about this our teacher asked us to get more people aboard on the project we were doing to raise awareness of Kasai and I did exactly that. And surprisingly I did so well on that that she noted how much of a good job I did. But before I could accomplish this, I needed support from my parents, and they helped push me to go do it. And because of them, I helped the world like Harry.”

3rd Place: Tanto Toyosi, 5th grade, Air Base K-8 Center, Legend: Dr. Marvin Davies

Middle school winners: 1st place: bagaya samuel, 6th grade, carrollton school of the sacred heart, legend: mary mcleod bethune, 1st place: bagaya samuel, 6th grade, carrollton school of the sacred heart, legend: mary mcleod bethune.

“In the sense of courage, I can relate to a time when I gained the courage to help another through an experience of my own. Having had to transfer from school to school starting in elementary school, I’ve learned how to transition smoothly and adapt to the school I’ve transferred into. Regardless of having gained the experience to adapt, I’ve also been given the perspective of what it’s like always to be a new student. When starting at a new school, there are more challenges than just settling into the new environment, there are challenges such as navigating unfamiliar surroundings and, in some cases, even a different curriculum. These experiences and perspectives have given me the courage to help new students feel at home when they transfer to a new school.”

2nd Place: Genesis McCray, 6th grade, Young Women's Preparatory Academy, Legend: Paticia Stephens Due

2nd place: genesis mccray, 6th grade, young women’s preparatory academy, legend: paticia stephens due.

“Way to go Patricia! Patricia’s determination showed that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. This reminds me of a time when I needed the courage to stand up to a bully at school, who picked on people’s insecurities. When the bully decided to pick on a friend, I stood up for them by speaking with them face to face and tried to persuade them to stop. I explained to them that their actions were not right and if it continued, I was going to tell an adult. This story reminds us of the courage needed to stand up for others, which is demonstrated in Patricia’s actions, when she stood up for inequity.”

3rd Place: Jonathan Walker, 8th grade, Frank C. Martin K-8 Center, Legend: Harry T. Moore

“Recalling a moment when I needed to summon up the courage to assist someone else in need, I can think back to when I saw someone being bullied in the school recess. Initially, I was hesitant to intervene, worried that I too, might be the object of the bully’s violence. Nevertheless, I realized that I had to do something to help this person in need. Drawing upon my courage and bravery, I walked up to the bully and told them to stop stating that their behavior was unacceptable. Eventually, the problem was resolved and the person I had helped was very appreciative of my support. This experience taught me that sometimes we must be fearless and stand up for what we believe to be right, even if it involves taking a chance or accepting the possible outcome.”

High School Winners:  1st Place: Gabrielle Beckles, 11th grade, Keys Gate Charter High School; Legend: Janie Price

1st place: gabrielle beckles, 11th grade, keys gate charter high school; legend: janie price.

“When I was in elementary school, I was invited to participate in my school’s sports banquet as a dance and Zumba team member. I was, without a doubt looking forward to it, and when the day came, I sat through the entire ceremony, in my brand-new dress, expecting to hear my name called. Unfortunately, no one in the club was recognized despite our many hours of practicing and our participation in numerous school events. I went home disappointed and confused that night, but, like Ms. Price, I didn’t let it defer me. I wrote a letter to my principal expressing my disappointment at being excluded from the event and advocating for the inclusion of dance and cheer teams in my school’s future sports banquets. Not only did I receive an apology from my principal, but I was also honored with a medal and certificate for my accomplishments. I had to be courageous to speak out against wrongdoing at my school and advocate for myself and those around me, something that I hope Ms. Price would have been proud of.”

2nd Place: Dorloushie Ambroise, 12th grade, Babara Goleman Senior High School, Legend: Johnnie Mae

“I needed the courage to do something to help others with bullying and as a high school peer counselor. During my sophomore year in high school, I noticed that a few of my peers were being bullied and harassed by some of the other students. As someone who had been bullied, I knew how hurtful this could be and how it could lead to lasting emotional scars. After talking to the school administrators, I started a peer counseling program at my school. I was scared to speak up, but I knew I had to act to help my peers.”

3rd Place: Ronald Smith, 11th grade, MAST @ Homestead, Legend: Patricia Stephens Due

“In a time when police are still discharging tear gas on protesters fighting for racial equality and learning black history has become controversial in our state, we should never lose sight of the contributions of heroes like Whilemena Jakes and Carrie Patterson, known as the Rosa Parks of Florida, or the economic impact of losing prosperous towns like Rosewood and Overtown to race riots and community development. We should also recognize the courage of Patricia Stephens Due, whose eyes were damaged, but who never lost sight of the mission at hand. In the words of Ms. Stephens Due, ‘stories live forever, storytellers don’t.’ I will spend the rest of my life making sure our story is told, never losing sight of who I am.”

The essay contest was established to honor Dr. Reeves, publisher emeritus of The Miami Times , who passed away at 100 in late 2019. As the only job he had, aside from serving in the Army during World War II, Reeves’ energy in running the landmark black-owned paper would impact the lives of countless families in South Florida. He’d found his life’s calling — to serve as a voice for the black community. He knew no better job. Reeves, who oversaw the black-owned paper his father initially printed one page at a time on a small hand press in a modest Miami home upon its founding in 1923, and who kept it in the family as it evolved into its digital edition today, died two months after his daughter, Rachel, passed. She was the publisher of The Miami Times , assuming the mantle of leadership from her father and grandfather. ( Miami Herald, November 2019 ) Breakthrough Miami is proud to have Regina Jolivette-Frazier, Reeves’ niece, as a long-standing member of the executive committee of our Board of Directors.

Garth C. Reeves, Sr. is a tall tree in the forest in which his community sought salvage from the elements. His work in the publishing world and, ultimately his founding of the Miami Times, gave voice to countless stories otherwise untold. What’s reflected in the sentiments of our Scholars in their essay entries is a resonating theme of courage, perseverance, and justice, similar themes found in the ethos of Breakthrough Miami programming.

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ICYMI: Florida Launches 2023 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests

January 13, 2023

Governor’s Press Office 850-717-9282 [email protected]

Florida Launches 2023 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests

~ Student essay contest winners will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation ~

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida officially launched the 2023 Black History Month student art and essay contests with the theme of “Celebrating the Achievements of African American Floridians.” These contests will run through Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Black History Month is celebrated each year in the month of February.

“African Americans have a long and proud history in our great state of Florida, and Black History Month is the perfect occasion to celebrate their many achievements,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Learning about African American achievements is central to learning about Florida and America itself. I have no doubt that this year’s art and essay contest submissions will be outstanding.”

"Florida goes the extra mile to recognize the immense and historical contributions of African Americans in our great state," said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. "We are proud to offer this opportunity each year to recognize outstanding students and educators in Florida for their unique efforts and talents.”

First Lady DeSantis invites students to participate in academic and creative contests throughout the month. Students in grades K-3 can participate in an art contest, and students in grades 4-12 can participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

About the Student Art Contest

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Art Contest is open to all kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year's theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 art supplies gift card and a 1-year pass to Florida state parks.

About the Student Essay Contest

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12). Each winner will receive a 2–year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

In the contest, students are encouraged to write about an African American who has had a notable effect on their community. The subject of the essay should be an African American Floridian. Some examples are:

• Secretary Shevaun Harris – Secretary at the Department of Children and Families since February 2021 after a nearly two-decade career at the Agency for Health Care Administration . An innovator, spearheading the development of the State’s Canadian Prescription Drug Importation program. Served as an adjunct professor at the FSU College of Social Work and as a case manager at Big Bend Cares serving vulnerable Floridians.
• State Senator Corey Simon – Before being elected to the Florida State Senate in 2022, Simon served as the CEO of Volunteer Florida, coordinating volunteer efforts across state agencies. Simon played football at Florida State University under the legendary Coach Bobby Bowden before moving on to play in the NFL.
• Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs II – Born: September 28, 1821, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Died: August 14, 1874, Tallahassee, Florida. Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs II was a Presbyterian minister who served as Secretary of State and Superintendent of Public Instruction of Florida. He was the first black Secretary of State .
• Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. – Born: February 11, 1920, Pensacola, Florida. Died: February 25, 1978, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Air Force fighter pilot and first African American to reach the rank of Four-Star General in the U.S. military. Flew combat missions in Korea and Vietnam and instructed African American pilots during WW2.
• Alwyn Cashe – Born: July 13, 1970, Sanford, Florida. Died: November 8, 2005, San Antonio, Texas. U.S. Army non-commissioned officer and posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for his service in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Saved the lives of six of his fellow soldiers after the Bradley fighting vehicle they were riding in struck an improvised explosive device despite suffering second and third-degree burns over 72% of his body.
• James Weldon Johnson – Born: June 17, 1871, Jacksonville, Florida. Died: June 26, 1938, Wiscasset, Maine. Writer, civil rights activist, and a leader of the NAACP. He wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is known as the black national anthem.
• John G. Riley – Born into slavery in 1857 and died a millionaire in 1954. 49-year educator career at a school in Wakulla County and as principal of the Lincoln Academy. One of the few African Americans to own property at the turn of the century.
• The Florida Highwaymen – A group of 26 African American landscape artists who painted from the 1950s to the 1980s. They became some of Florida’s most well-known painters and focused on images of the state’s natural treasures. Today, their work is displayed in prominent buildings throughout Florida, including the State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion.

About the Excellence in Education Award

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student may submit nominations. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines

Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at http://floridablackhistory.com/

Volunteer Florida

Black History Month Committee 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250 Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

If mailing, please consider the time necessary to ensure the submission is received by Volunteer Florida’s office no later than the aforementioned deadline.

For more information about the contests, please visit http://floridablackhistory.com/

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For the past 22 years, the Florida Prepaid College Foundation has been a proud sponsor of the Florida Black History Month Essay Contest. 

The Essay Contest is open to all students in grades 4-12 in Florida. The contest honors the historic contributions and accomplishments of African-American leaders, educators, and public figures from Florida. More than fifty Florida Prepaid College Plan Scholarships have been awarded as part of this program.

Congratulations to the 2024 Black History Month Essay Contest winners! Each winning student received a 2-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Essay Contest winners:

• Elementary School Category: Jeremiah Gordon and Skyla Brooks
• Middle School Category: Adrienne Menard, Katherine Newkirk
• High School Category: Joseph Gordon III and Daniel Macias

Are you a Black History Month Florida Prepaid Scholarship student?

Your scholarship is designed to be easy to use and flexible. If you have any questions, please call our Customer Service team at 1-800-552-4723, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 6 pm ET.

Important information for you to know:

Easy to use – When you are ready for college you should let your donor know where you will attend classes. Florida Prepaid will pay your college or university directly, making the process easy for you!

Plan accepted at any qualified educational institution – Your scholarship is designed to be flexible and allows students (beneficiaries) to attend the post-secondary institution of their choice regardless of the type of plan, unless otherwise indicated by the donor at the time the beneficiary is assigned to their scholarship. The Florida Prepaid College Plan may be used at any eligible educational institution as defined in s. 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

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As the 501(c)(3), direct support organization for the Florida Prepaid College Board, the Foundation helps support our shared goal of making college more affordable and accessible for more Floridians.

Your donation will be used in furtherance of the tax-exempt charitable purposes of Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”). All donations are received and considered unrestricted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the donor. If funds received exceed the specific need or goal of a Foundation program, then, at the discretion of the Foundation, any funds donated may be used for similar scholarship programs operated by the Foundation.

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Students in Lee, Collier win college scholarships in Black History Month essay contest

Two Southwest Florida students were winners in a statewide essay competition that was part of Black History Month Student Contests made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Students in fourth through twelfth grade were invited to submit an essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners were selected including two elementary students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8) and two high school students (grades 9–12).

Winners received a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

Katherine Valdes Torres, a fifth grade student at Mike Davis Elementary in Collier County wrote an essay titled “James Weldon Johnson.” Katherine wants to be a geneticist when she grows up and wishes to be kind to others and help them succeed in life.

Elyanah Gibson, Florida Virtual School ninth grade student in Lee County wrote an essay titled “The Matriarch of Liberty City” about Augusta Savage. Elyanah hopes to one day become a pediatrician and enjoys volunteering to help stray animals.

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