Black Food Bookstore Launches First Annual Essay Competition: Join the Conversation, Shape the Future

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At Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop, we believe in the power of words to transform minds, uplift communities, and deepen our understanding of who we are as a people. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our First Annual Essay Competition, open to all residents and citizens of The Bahamas—of all ages.

This year’s thought-provoking topic is:

“Explain and analyze the importance of African history in shaping national development throughout the 700 islands of The Bahamas in the 21st century.”

From our cultural identity and educational systems to political leadership and economic development, the influence of African history runs deep through the veins of our nation. Yet it’s often underexplored or misunderstood. This competition invites Bahamians and residents of all generations to reflect, research, and write about the undeniable ties between our past and our progress.

📌 Who Can Enter?
Everyone. Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent, elder, or lifelong learner—your voice matters. This is a multi-generational call to think critically and creatively about our history and our homeland.

📝 How to Enter:
Simply complete the Registration Form Here
Be sure to review the guidelines below to understand the word count, formatting, and submission deadlines.

📎 Official Competition Guidelines:

The maximum word count is 1,000 with a minimum of 700, not including citations and bibliography. Use at least two sources such as government documents, letters, newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews. Essays with fewer than two listed sources will be disqualified.

All entries must include a completed registration form and be submitted by 11:59pm (EST) on July, 25, 2025 to be eligible for judging.  Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible, or incomplete submissions.

Essays must be the original work of the participant. Essays are checked for AI assistance and are disqualified if AI is detected at any point in the essay or bibliography.

Essays must include a bibliography. Accepted formats include APA, MLA, or Turabian.

Essays should not include identifying information about the author.

Decisions of Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop are final. Winners will be notified by email and via telephone by August 1.

By entering, you agree that your essay will become the property of Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop and will not be returned. Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop reserves the right to print and display the essays and photographs of the contest winners.

Contest Deadline

The Essay Contest opens for submissions on May 25, 2025. The contest deadline is July 25, 2025. Winners to be announced on August 1, 2025.

Recognition and Awards

First-place: $100 cash prize, $50 Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop gift certificate, an official photo and essay published on the Black Food Bookstore website and via all its social media channels.      

Second-place: $50 cash prize, $35 Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop gift certificate, an official photo and essay published on the Black Food Bookstore website and via all its social media channels.             

Third-place: $25 cash prize, $20 Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop gift certificate, an official photo and essay published on the Black Food Bookstore website and via all its social media channels.   

Five persons will receive honorable mentions. 

All participants will receive a letter notifying them of the winners along with a Certificate of Participation by the end of October.

Get Email Updates

Join our mailing list to get contest tips, updates, and a reminder to submit your essay.

Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop does not sell or share your personal information or email address.

Eligibility

The contest is open to all citizens and residents of The Bahamas.

Prizes and recognition will be awarded to outstanding entries, but more importantly, this competition is about sparking meaningful conversations and honoring the legacy of our ancestors.

Let your words speak power. Let your ideas uplift our nation.

We can’t wait to read what’s on your mind.

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