Rockland County Bar Association - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee - Juneteenth Essay Contest - Due Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:59PM
Sponsored by the Rockland County Bar Association - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Scholarship Award: $750.00 for the first prize winner and $500 for the second prize winner

Eligibility: 2025 Juneteenth essay contest for high school seniors who reside in Rockland or attend a high school in Rockland County.  

Background: Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth", it is celebrated on the anniversary of General Order No. 3, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for enslaved persons in Texas. Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth has since been observed annually in various parts of the United States. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Essay Topic:  Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, celebrates the date (June 19, 1865) that the last enslaved Black people in America were told they were free, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.  It was made a federal holiday in 2021. But other dates could also be observed to commemorate the end of slavery, such as January 1, 1863, the day that the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, or January 31, 1865, the date that the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery passed Congress, or December 6, 1865, the date that the 13th Amendment was ratified.  Do you think that Juneteenth is the best date to nationally celebrate the end of slavery?  Why or why not?

Essay Length: 550 words or less

Deadline: Essays must be submitted electronically (via Google form) by Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:59PM.

Presentation of Award: The Scholarship Award will be presented during the Rockland County Bar Association's Installation Dinner which will be held at the Granito Center at Dominican University on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:30PM. The award recipient must be present at the dinner. 

The winning essay will receive a $750 scholarship and the second-place essay will receive a $500 scholarship to be used towards collegiate expenses and the winning essay may be printed in the Rockland Bar Association newsletter and/or local newspapers and media outlets.

Any questions should be directed to the Rockland County Bar Association, Email: office@rocklandbar.org, Telephone:  845-634-2149, Website:  www.rocklandbar.org
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Name *
Home Address *
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High School *
High School Address *
Grade *
Parent's Name *
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Parent's Email Address *
Essay Prompt  -  Juneteenth,  also known as Freedom Day, celebrates the date (June 19, 1865) that the last enslaved Black people in America were told they were free, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.  It was made a federal holiday in 2021. But other dates could also be observed to commemorate the end of slavery, such as January 1, 1863, the day that the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, or January 31, 1865, the date that the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery passed Congress, or December 6, 1865, the date that the 13th Amendment was ratified.  Do you think that Juneteenth is the best date to nationally celebrate the end of slavery?  Why or why not? (550 words or less) *
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