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Bryce A. Webb<\/p>\nTallahassee, Fla. \u2013 Students at Florida A&M University demonstrated creativity, critical thought, and civic engagement through the university\u2019s
\n America 250 Essay and Digital Design Contest, an initiative designed to encourage
\n reflection on the evolving meaning of freedom in the United States ahead of the nation\u2019s
\n 250th anniversary.<\/p>\n
Hosted by the Division of Academic Affairs in partnership with the FAMU Writing Resource
\n Center, the contest invited students to examine America\u2019s past, present, and future
\n through original essays and digital media presentations. Participants explored themes
\n of identity, justice, opportunity, and progress while considering the role they will
\n play in shaping the next chapter of the nation\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
During the recognition program held at the FAMU Developmental Research School, FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., applauded the students for using their voices to contribute to an important national
\n dialogue.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, we celebrate you\u2014our students\u2014who have engaged thoughtfully and creatively
\n in exploring what America means,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cYou have offered perspectives that
\n challenge, inspire, and illuminate. Your voices matter. Your ideas matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson also praised the students\u2019 willingness to examine the nation\u2019s history while
\n envisioning a more equitable future.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour work reflects not only academic excellence, but also a deep sense of civic responsibility,\u201d
\n she said. \u201cAs we look ahead to America\u2019s 250th anniversary, each of you represents
\n an important part of the fabric of this nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The contest showcased a broad range of perspectives and storytelling approaches, with
\n winning submissions reflecting both personal insight and historical awareness.<\/p>\n
Bryce A. Webb<\/p>\n
First-place honors were awarded to Bryce A. Webb for the essay, \u201cFreedom in Progress.\u201d Webb\u2019s essay examined freedom through an Afrocentric
\n lens, tracing the evolution of freedom in America from Reconstruction and segregation
\n to the enduring role of historically Black colleges and universities in advancing
\n equity and opportunity. The essay also explored the importance of civic engagement,
\n mental health advocacy, and continued investment in HBCUs as essential to expanding
\n freedom for future generations.<\/p>\n
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Bosah Obinwanne<\/p>\n
Second place was awarded to Bosah Obinwanne for \u201cEchoes of Nayeli: The Unfinished Freedom,\u201d which explored the enduring pursuit
\n of freedom through a powerful narrative lens, examining the challenges of identity,
\n justice, and belonging while emphasizing that the promise of freedom remains unfinished
\n for many communities in America.<\/p>\n
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Yerimiah Evans<\/p>\n
Yerimiah Evans earned third place honors for \u201cThe Ideals of a Seventh Grade Boy,\u201d an essay on freedom,
\n citizenship, and moral responsibility through the perspective of a young student,
\n offering an optimistic and thoughtful examination of the values that shape America\u2019s
\n future.<\/p>\n
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Aria Brown<\/p>\n
Aria C. Brown received honorable mention for \u201cHome of the Brave, Land of the Who?\u201d Her essay challenged
\n readers to examine who fully experiences the promises of liberty and equality in America,
\n encouraging reflection on inclusion, representation, and the nation\u2019s continuing pursuit
\n of justice.<\/p>\n
Executive Director Kendra Mitchell, Ph.D., FAMU Writing Resource Center, commended the students for the depth and originality
\n reflected in their submissions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe quality of the entries was truly exceptional,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cOur students demonstrated
\n remarkable creativity, intellectual curiosity, and courage in examining complex issues
\n related to freedom, identity, and civic responsibility. Each submission reflected
\n the power of student voices to inform, inspire, and elevate meaningful conversations
\n about our nation\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The America 250 initiative at FAMU aligns with the national commemoration leading
\n up to the United States\u2019 250th celebration on July 4, 2026. Through scholarship, dialogue, and creative expression,
\n the university continues to encourage students to engage thoughtfully with history
\n while envisioning a stronger and more inclusive future.<\/p>\n
Read the winning essays at FAMU America 250 Initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n Media Contact:<\/p>\n Alonda Thomas
VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
alonda.thomas@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n