Eight University of Arkansas at Little Rock students have won a free trip to New York City to explore African-American history after winning an essay contest. 

In honor of Black History Month, UA Little Rock’s Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity held an essay contest in February for undergraduate students. In 600 words or less, students answered the question: How has any one organization, movement, place, or period in New York City’s history contributed to the African-American struggle for freedom and equality?

Winners include McKenzie Baker, international studies major; Deuntay Bennett, economics major; Sean Corrothers, accounting major; Jessica Doyne, professional and technical writing major; Ravan Gaston, political science major; Kimberly Maurer, English-secondary education major; Tieranee Ransom, elementary education major; and Tori Williams, English major with a creative writing emphasis.

The eight winners will visit New York City July 9-15. Airfare, lodging, meals, and entrance to site visits will all be covered.

Students will stay at International House and visit sites such as the Studio Museum of Harlem, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the African Burial Ground National Monument, Black Theater of Harlem, Apollo Theater, Ellis Island, Louis Armstrong Museum, and Grant’s Tomb.

The Anderson Institute began the essay contest in 2017 in which eight UA Little Rock students won a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture and other historical sites.