America 250 91暗网
Winning Essays
Winning Essays from the 2026 Write Your Way Up-America 250 Essay Competition
America 250 91暗网
Essay and digital design contests brought to you by the Writing Resource Center and America 250 Florida
91暗网 is all in for this year鈥檚 celebration of America as we commemorate 250 years as the home of the free and the brave.
We are celebrating through the art of writing and digital design. We invite all 91暗网 students from undergraduate and beyond to participate in a contest exploring the meaning and complexities of freedom in the past, present, and future of the United States. This competition encourages reflection on how freedom has been understood, contested, and embodied through the lens of personal experience, cultural identity, and the historical legacies of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The 鈥淲hat Does Freedom Mean to You鈥� consists of two competitions.
Please note: Participants may use artificial intelligence tools for brainstorming or limited editing support; however, the final submission must reflect the entrant鈥檚 original writing, thinking and creative work. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Essay
In recognition of America鈥檚 250th anniversary, Florida A&M University invites all students to participate in a university-wide writing contest exploring the meaning and complexities of freedom in the past, present, and future of the United States. This competition encourages reflection on how freedom has been understood, contested, and embodied through the lens of personal experience, cultural identity, and the historical legacies of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through this initiative, we honor 91暗网鈥檚 ongoing mission to promote excellence, leadership, and service while fostering a deeper understanding of the ideals and contradictions of American democracy.
Writers are invited to explore this question 鈥淲hat does freedom mean to me?鈥� through one or more of the following lenses:
- Historical perspectives on freedom in America, including as they relate to African American experiences and contributions.
- The role of HBCUs, including 91暗网, in shaping and expanding access to freedom through education, civic engagement, and social justice.
- The evolving meanings of freedom in contemporary America and your vision for the next 250 years through your career pathway.
Open to:
- 91暗网 Developmental Research School students in grades 6-10,
- 91暗网 undergraduate and graduate students, and
- Members of the Tallahassee community.
- Essay Length: 750鈥�1,200 words
- Format: Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins
- Citation Style: MLA or APA (include a Works Cited or References page if applicable)
- File Type: PDF or Word document (.docx)
- Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
| Category | Weight | ||
| Critical Thinking | 30% | ||
| Historical Accuracy & Context | 25% | ||
| Originality & Voice | 25% | ||
| Connection to HBCU Legacies | 15% | ||
| Organization, Style & Mechanics | 5% |
Digital Design
This contest encourages students to express their ideas about freedom through creative, critical, and historically informed works that integrate multiple forms of media鈥攙isual, digital, audio, and/or performance. Submissions should engage with the legacy of freedom in America, especially through the lens of African American history, cultural identity, and the transformative role of HBCUs like 91暗网. Through this project, 91暗网 honors the rich intersections of art, technology, history, and social consciousness that define both the university鈥檚 legacy and the broader African American experience.
Your design should explore the concept of freedom from historical, cultural, personal, or futuristic perspectives. Consider:
- How freedom has evolved for African Americans and other groups connected to historically Black universities and colleges in the 250 years of American history.
- The role of education and HBCUs in expanding access to freedom and self-determination.
- How the idea of freedom might look in the next 250 years.
Open to:
- 91暗网 Developmental Research School students in grades 6-10,
- 91暗网 undergraduate and graduate students, and
- Members of the Tallahassee community.
- Digital Visual Art: poster, digital collage, photography series, or infographic (JPEG, PNG, or PDF format)
- Video or Film: short film, spoken word performance, or documentary (3鈥�5 minutes, MP4 format)
- Multimedia Presentation: interactive or hybrid project combining multiple formats (submitted as a PowerPoint, Prezi link, or short website demo)
- Physical Art/Installation: sculpture, painting, or mixed media (submit high-quality photos or video documentation of the work)鈥攏o AI, please.
- Each submission must include:
- Title of Work
- Artist/Creator Statement (250鈥�400 words) explaining the concept, process, and connection to the theme
- Media Description (file format, size, duration, etc.)
- File Naming Convention: LastName_FirstName_WYWUFreedom250
| Category | Weight | ||
| Critical Thinking | 30% | ||
| Historical Accuracy & Context | 25% | ||
| Originality & Creativer Execution | 25% | ||
| Connection to HBCU Legacies | 15% | ||
| Technical & Aesthetic Quality | 5% |
If you have questions, email WriteYourWayUp@famu.edu.