~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
2009 WINNERS!!
First Place: Emily Feldhake (freshman)
Second Place: Karie Luidens (senior)
Third Place: Rebekah Chew (freshman)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Multicultural Essay Contest
Entry Form
January 12, 2009 - February 27, 2009
Sponsored by Office of Multicultural Education and
The CrossRoads Project

For Student Entry

Description:
On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States. Given our country’s history of slavery, racism and discrimination, it has been difficult to envision a person of color holding such a position. Many watched this campaign progress with excitement and anticipation as Obama was named the first Black president of the United States of America.

In recognition of this monumental time in our history, please reflect on the following:

• What role do you think the civil rights movement played in the electoral victory of President Elect Barack Obama?
  
• How does Obama’s appointment both hinder and promote discussions about persisting racism and efforts to minimize disparities that exist between minority and majority populations in this country?
  
• How will this historical achievement affect diversity initiatives at Hope College and in the Holland community?

You are expected to critically examine each component of these questions and define and defend your perspective. It is highly recommended that submissions include research and cited references to adequately address all parts of your essay, and to help strengthen each view point.

Guidelines: Please proofread your paper (grammar, punctuation, etc.) All personal essays must have/be:
• Double spaced
• 12- point Times New Roman font
• 3-5 pages in length
(not including title page and/or references)
• Numbered pages
• Your name included only on the cover page
(Please do not provide identification on any other page of your essay)

Prizes: 1st Place: $500; 2nd Place $300; 3rd Place: $200. NOTE: Due to federal regulations, in some cases the award may be given not in cash, rather in the form of payment to an existing loan.

Essays are due with Entry Form
Friday, February 27, 2009 by 5:00pm

Online: Entry Form (below); Essay Submission: ome@hope.edu
Or: OME Office (Martha Miller Center 107)

Questions? Call (616) 395-7867 or e-mail ome@hope.edu

Thank you for submitting an essay!
Winners will be announced at the
César Chávez Celebration on March 31, 2009.

~ Sponsored by the CrossRoads Project and
Office of Multicultural Education ~