Each year the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh celebrates the life and work of Absalom Jones (1746-1818), the first African-American priest ordained in the Episcopal Church. In conjunction with this event, the diocesan Commission on Racism sponsors a literary contest named for the late Frank E. Bolden, a noted Pittsburgh-based African-American journalist.
The contest is open to all middle and senior high school students in Southwestern Pennsylvania. A cash prize of $100 will be awarded to the author of the winning entry at the Absalom Jones Day Celebration to be held at Trinity Cathedral on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.
The contest is on the subject of racism with a specific theme. This year's theme is:
"Reconciliation and Healing Through Knowledge"
Students are invited to submit a literary work that describes or gives an example(s) of the theme, either from the past, present or future. Entries may be essays, poetry, fiction or non-fiction, and will be judged on originality, clarity, and composition. The maximum length is 200 words and should be typed double-spaced.
Entries should include the following information: author's name, age, grade, school, teacher's name. Also include the author's home address, phone number, e-mail address, hobbies and interests, extra-curricular activities, and plans for the future.
Entries may be submitted by email to dpowell2010@hotmail.com or by regular mail to Literary Contest, PO Box 419, Oakmont, PA 15139. Entries must be post marked no later than January 23, 2013.
If you have any questions about the contest, please call one of the following: Al Mann at 412-661-5947; Nancy Travis Bolden at 412-683-8888; or Darrell Powell at 412-828-0502.