Inspiring the Next Generation
As Athletes for Hope (AFH) spent February celebrating the contributions and positive impacts of African American trailblazers, we partnered with our AFH University Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) athletic departments at Bowie State and Southern University for our 2nd Annual Black History Month Essay Contest.
The contest asked high schoolers in their communities to share a story of an African American who has been an inspiration to them.
The outpouring of submissions from students was incredible. We are honored to share with you the stories of the winners of our AFH Black History Month Essay Contest from Bowie High School and Scotlandville Magnet High School.
Meet The Winner: Bowie State
As we celebrate the contributions and positive impact of African American trailblazers, the Bowie St. University Athletic Department and Athletes for Hope encouraged 9th-12th grade students in the Bowie area to share the story of a local African American that has been an inspiration in their life.
The standout winner from the Bowie State community was soon-to-be 2026 graduate, Jalil.
Although Jalil was not able to attend the Bowie State Basketball game to be recognized and celebrated by his peers, he was sent an official AFH Black History Month Essay Contest certificate along with an AFH swag bag.
Read His Essay
Jalil
Black History Month Essay Topic: Omar Karim
Jalil’s essay focuses on the grit and determination of his Uncle Omar. He described his unwavering perseverance in creating a successful construction company during a time when most people told him his dreams were out of reach. Jalil’s essay perfectly encapsulates the meaning of hard work and the value of never giving up.
In him, I see the courage to chase my own dreams, the resillence to overcome hurdles, and the resourcefulness to navigate challenging landscapes.
Jalil
To read Jalil’s Black History Month Essay, click here.
Meet The Winner: Southern University
As we celebrate the contributions and positive impact of African American trailblazers, the Southern University Athletic Department, and Athletes for Hope encouraged 9th-12th grade students in the Baton Rouge area to share the story of a local African American who has been an inspiration in their life.
This year’s essay contest winner from the Baton Rouge community was senior football player, Lonnie.
Lonnie was recognized and celebrated by his peers at Southern’s basketball game on Saturday, February 24th where he was presented with an official AFH Black History Month Essay Contest certificate and an AFH swag bag.
Read His Essay
Lonnie
Black History Month Essay Topic: John Kermit Haynes
Lonnie wrote vividly about the inspiration and impact John Kermit Haynes has made on the city of Baton Rouge. Haynes is an esteemed biologist and academic administrator who is most famous for discovering methods for the detection and treatment of sickle cell anemia.
His (Haynes) story underscores the transformative power of education, mentorship, and perseverance, instilling hope and ambition in future generations as they navigate their own paths to success.
Lonnie
To read Lonnie’s essay, click here.