In 2018 the Musikavanhu family established an annual high school essay contest to encourage students to share their perspectives on defeating racism.

Why Everyone; Whether Conservative, Liberal or Otherwise Need to Unite In Defeating Racism In America.

Overview

This essay’s main objective is to invite seniors and underclassmen students who are either resident in Wellesley or attend the Wellesley High School whilst resident elsewhere, to research, reflect, learn and be part of the solution to ridding American society of the scourge of racism. The title is meant to allow the participation of students from all political perspectives, conservatives and liberals alike, thereby establishing that the stakeholders in eradicating racism are not just its victims or racial minorities but all who committed to the decency, peace and prosperity of this country. This topic does not seek political correctness or the airing of divisive and offensive invective for the sake of it, but rather is an opportunity for each participant to obtain through careful study, discussion, debate as much truth about the past, present and hopefully future demise of the future of the American brand of racism. Students should reflect on how regardless of political stance all Americans should unite against the brutality and injustice of racial exclusion and prejudice.

Specifications

Students will be marked and potentially rewarded, regardless of the conclusions they come to, per se, on the following:

• Thoroughness and accuracy of the research into the topic;
• Clarity of reasoning and presentation of the data, opinion and facts unearthed by the research process; and
• The practicality of solutions and actions to be undertaken by the student in ensuring that the following from the US Declaration of Independence “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” can be implemented to the elimination of racism in the Union, and in time, the world beyond;
• Please keep all material confidential as individual permission may need to be sought for the Winners or other participants.

Awards

Recognition for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will receive Gold, Silver or Bronze medal certificates and the respective monetary awards of $500, $300 and $200. The fourth and 5th  placed participants will receive commendation with no certificate or monetary reward. The benefits of the podium winners will be the publication of the articles in the press and being recognized at the Wellesley High School Senior/Underclassmen Awards evening.