Black History Month Writing Contest
Sponsored by the English Department and the Black Excellence Collaborative at Cerritos College
2026 is a special year in Black History, marking a full century of celebrating Black excellence, contributions, and cultural impact in the United States. This historic milestone honors a legacy of resilience, creativity, leadership, and achievement. Reflect on what “A Century of Black Excellence” means to you. In a thoughtful essay of 750 words or fewer or a poem of any length, respond to the following prompt.
For our 2026 "Lift Every Voice" Writing Contest, choose a person, group, movement, cultural contribution, literary work, innovation, or experience from the past century that, to you, exemplifies Black excellence — whether in your community, in the U.S., or globally. Connect this history to your own life, aspirations, or worldview — how has this legacy influenced how you see yourself, your goals, or your community? And what is your vision for the next century of Black excellence, and how can you contribute to it?
2026 WINNERS
First Place:"A Century Rings" by Adaeze Udeh
Second Place:"Horror Noire" by Kez Tanamal
2025 WINNERS
First Place: Untitled ("Exposed to the Secondhand Nature of Smoke") by Adaeze Udeh
Second Place:"Pursuing Dreams for Mars" by Karina Soriano
Third Place:"My Journey through 'We Put in Work: Endurance, Resilience, and Strength'" by Clarissa Rodriguez
2024 Winner
"The woman who wasn't afraid to think outside the (doll) box" by Dayannara Aguilar
2023 Winner
"In the Shackles of Prejudice" by Angel Mejia
2022 Winners
First Place: "Tallahatchie" by Jadel Moreira
Second Place:"Say My Name and More" by Fatima Durrani
Third Place: "I can't believe Samuel L. Jackson has never won an Oscar" by Monique Gutierrez
2021 Winner
"The Forgotten Cat" by Steven Wright Jr.