To promote Black History Month, the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum’s 2020 poster competition is now open to students from all ages and majors to help students learn more about black history while being creative, according to a Marshall University professor. 

“We’re looking for ways to promote the study of black history with students learning by doing,” said Burnis Morris, professor of journalism and mass communications and director of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum. “When they compete in this contest, they will learn more than they thought they would learn about black history.”

This is the fourth time the competition has been organized and the theme of the year is “African Americans and the Vote.” There are two separate competitions, one for the K-12 level and one for Marshall students.

For Marshall students, the competition is open to candidates from all majors, according to Sandra Reed, chair of the poster contest and professor in the School of Art and Design. The deadline for Marshall students to submit their entries is 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2.

“Usually, we have about 15 entries,” Reed said. “Most of those come from one or two art classes that the individual professor guided their students to do the project, but it’s open to any students at Marshall, regardless their majors or area.”

For the K-12 contest, students can either draw or make a digital poster, and they will compete with others in their age group such as elementary, middle or high school. The winner will receive a prize of $100 for each elementary, middle and high school level. The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 for K-12 students.

Reed said she loves the jury process where they decide which one will be the winner as it shows the enthusiasm of students with lots of interesting ideas. 

An informational meeting and brainstorming session is set for students at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 in the fourth floor flex space of the Visual Arts Center. 

“In that session, we will be showing students examples, talking about the theme, setting out expectations and getting them started,” Reed said. 

The overall winning poster will receive a $200 prize and will become the official 2020 Black History Poster for the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum. Students who want to find more information or submit entries may contact Reed at [email protected].

Phuong Anh Do can be contacted at [email protected].