8th Grade Poetry Competition: "Roots of Courage; Branches Of Hope"

All 8th grade students in Jefferson County, Alabama are invited to submit a poem written in any style, no more than 250 words in length, that reflects the theme "Roots of Courage; Branches of Hope." The Grand Prize Winner will read their poem during the "Roots of Courage; Branches of Hope" program on April 11, 2010 and will receive a cash prize of $250. Only one submission per student will be accepted. ALL students and teachers who participated in the Poetry Contest are invited to attend the Sunday program in Kelly Ingram Park. All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2010.

Information about the program:

On Sunday, April 11, a beautiful ceremony will take place in which a Horse Chestnut Tree will be planted to symbolize the extraordinary courage necessary to face harsh intolerance, and how that courage has inspired our community's hope and growth. Anne Frank described a similar tree as she gazed out of a window when her family was forced to go into hiding during the Holocaust. She hid with her family for almost three years.

Five Birmingham organizations joined together for a dedication program, one of remembrance and renewal of spirit, titled "Roots of Courage, Branches of Hope." These organizations include Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Holocaust Education Committee, The Birmingham Jewish Federation, The Birmingham Public Library and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

Please include the following information with your poem:

Name
Grade
Teacher
School
Contact Phone Number for Student's Teacher

Poems may be submitted via:

Email: pcooper@bcri.org

Fax: (205) 323-5042

Mail: Birmingham Civil Rights

ATTN: Roots of Courage Poetry Contest

520 Sixteenth Street North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Winners will be notified by Wednesday, April 7, 2010.

Good luck to everyone!