Join Us: 2025 Racial Justice Essay and Creative Arts Ceremony

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We would like to invite you to our Award Ceremony to be held on Saturday May 3, 2025, from 1-3pm at the Greenbelt Community Center, Room 201, 15 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD. The Award Ceremony is co-sponsored by the Greenbelt Black History & Culture Committee. The student winners will present their award-winning essay, creative writing, or visual art. This event is free, open to the public, and no registration is required. The Greenbelt Community Center is a fully accessible building. If you are unable to attend, please check our website later for a summary of the ceremony.

2024 PGCLMP Essay and Creative Arts Contests Winners

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The Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project is honored and excited to congratulate the ten winners of our 2024 Racial Justice Essay and Creative Arts contest. Prince George’s County high school public, private, or homeschooled students were invited to submit an essay, creative writing, or visual artwork that addressed an historical or current racial justice issue. Over 80 entries were received from seven high schools across the county.

Jaelynn Walker smiles with her artwork and award.
 Janelle Bassole challenges the audience with her essay.
Emmanuella Umoh’s impassioned presentation.

The students were celebrated at an awards program attended by their families, friends, teachers, and community members held at the Greenbelt Community Center on June 15, 2024. Students presented their inspiring essays, creative writing, and artwork to audience applause. Winners received certificates, commendations from local elected officials, and scholarships ranging from $1000 for first place to $100 for honorable mention.

Greenbelt Mayor Emmett Jordan welcoming the audience

We thank the Greenbelt Black History & Culture Committee, Greenbelt Recreation Department, and the City of Greenbelt for sponsoring our awards ceremony and Greenbelt Access Television for recording the ceremony.

We are especially grateful for the donations from community individuals and organizations that made the scholarships possible. We commend every student who entered their justice reflections in our contest.

We share the full list of 2024 contest winners here:

Creative Writing

NameAwardTitleSchool
Shana McFadden1st Place“Oh Innocent Emmett”Suitland High School
Marli Jones2nd Place“The Pipeline” Frederick Douglass High School
Mikayla Hollis3rd Place“The School to Prison Pipeline” Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Essay

NameAwardTitleSchool
Janelle Bassole1st Place“A Practice Built Off the Back of Suffering” Laurel High School
Emmanuella Umoh2nd Place“The Power of Representation: Illuminating Paths to Racial Justice Through Media”College Park Academy
Anike Akinfolarin3rd Place“Environmental Racism in Communities of Color”Charles Herbert Flowers High School

Visual Arts

NameAwardTitleSchool
Onyekachukwu Roland Akwara1st Place“Justice for Our People”Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Jaelynn Walker 2nd Place“Bars of Freedom”Chesapeake Math & IT Academy North High School
Tyla Inyamah3rd Place“Slave to Miseducation”Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Seanna DayeHonorable Mention“BLM Memorial”Chesapeake Math & IT Academy North High School

2025 PGCLMP Racial Justice Essay & Creative Arts Contest (ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS)

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Our 2025 racial justice essay and creative arts contest for high school students opens for submissions on 12/1/2024.

For detailed information on our 2025 Racial Justice Essay & Creative Arts Contest, including how to upload submissions, visit: https://pgclmp.org/racial-justice-contest/.

This contest is for Prince George’s County public, private, and homeschool students, grades 9-12.

If you have questions or suggestions, or need additional information about the contest, please contact Lula at lulabeatty@verizon.net.

History Made: Soil Collection to Remember Thomas Juricks

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Thank you to everyone who made our Soil Collection a huge success.

We are still celebrating the packed house (200 seats); the talented chorus, soloist, dancer, and poet from local high schools; evocative adult poet and soloist; our moving speakers; the support of the staffs of Prince George’s County Parks’ Black History Program and Harmony Hall; and the reverent participation by so many in the soil collection ceremony to honor Mr. Juricks, led by Chapel Hill residents and students who built the Memorial Carts and dug up the soil in nearby Chapel Hill. Mr. Thomas Juricks will never again be forgotten!

We wanted to share with everyone links to the digital version of the beautiful and history-packed Printed Program for the event and to our media coverage:

Digital copy of the Printed Program:  Printed Program_FINAL from BHP+ltr w bleed 2P.pdf 


Washington Post:  front page of the Metro Section on Sunday
https://wapo.st/3MSfeWQ
The Intersection Magazine:  Fort Washington Community Held A Homegoing Service For Thomas Juricks, a Black Man Lynched in 1869 — The Intersection Magazine
WJLA: Thursday evening news Prince George’s to honor Thomas Juricks, victim of county’s oldest documented lynching | WJLA
CTV News: Wednesday evening news
 CTV News 4/12/23 at the 8:10 mark

Public Hearing on Racial Terror Lynchings in Prince George’s County

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This article was written by Rev. Diane Teichert, PGC LMP liaison to the MLTRC

The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) held its legislatively-mandated Public Hearing for Prince George’s County on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at Bowie State University in conjunction with the Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project. 

PGC LMP requested ”Lift Every Voice and Sing” to open the event and suggested many of the speakers; provided the narratives for the four racial terror lynchings and recruited the college students who read them. PGC LMP also invited community leaders to testify during the public comment period, and publicized the event widely throughout the county. The attendance and energy were high!

The event was comprehensive, educational, and powerfully moving.  To experience it for yourself, fast forward to the start of the event at 20 minutes: MLTRC Public Hearing for Prince George’s County 

PGC LMP thanks MLTRC leaders, members and staff and the participants (listed here in order of their appearance): 

Songleader Alphonse Blakeney-Lewis 

Bowie State University President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown

Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk (Maryland District 21)

Artura Jackson, Public Historian

Isabella Carrero-Baptista, reader of “The Lynching Story of Mr. Thomas Juricks”

Naira Wiley, reader of “The Lynching Story of Mr. John Henry Scott”

Isis Bendele-Asante, reader of “The Lynching Story of Mr. Michael Green” 

Akua Bendele-Asante, reader of “The Lynching Story of Mr. Stephen Williams”

Crystal Queen, descendant of Mr. Stephen Williams

Blair Bowie, descendant of an enslaving family in PGC

Dora Proctor, speaking for the Chapel Hill Community via video clip

Dr. Lula Beatty, witness on historical trauma

Rev. Tony Love, witness on the importance of Black Churches then and now
Dr. Katina Gomez, Deputy Chief, Prince George’s County Police Department
Crystal Carpenter, PGC LMP Co-chair

And to the many who offered Public Comments in-person and on-line!

In addition, special thanks to “behind the scenes” PGC LMP members Patricia McCartney who recruited the student readers; Rev. Karen Scrivo who wrote the four narratives they read; and Isaac Prentice, Melodye Robinson, Carolyn Rowe, Janet Simpson, and Diane Thompkins, members of the African American History and Genealogy Society-PGC Chapter, who conducted research on which the narratives were based. And to the PGC LMP Public Hearing Team  

Note: the MLTRC continues to collect Descendant Testimonies and Public Comments at:  https://feedback.msa.maryland.gov/lynching-truth-reconciliation/pages/contact.aspx

The PGC LMP Public Hearing Team: Lula Beatty, Crystal Carpenter, Emily DeMarco, Sharon Kniss, Pat McCartney, Pat Neal, Katie Pugliese, Karen Lee Scrivo, Diane Teichert PGC LMP liaison to the MLTRC, and Krystina Tucker.

Photos MLTRC Public Hearing for Prince George’s County by Don Milton 

Fourth Annual Student Racial Justice Essay and Creative Arts Contest

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The Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project is pleased to share and congratulate the winners of our 2025 Student Racial Justice Essay and Creative Arts Contest. We invited all Prince George’s County high school public, private, or homeschooled students to submit an essay, creative writing, or visual artwork that addressed an historical or current racial justice issue to an online portal. A panel of expert judges selected 10 winners from over 50 submissions representing 12 high schools across the county.

The students were celebrated at an awards program held at the Greenbelt Community Center on May 3, 2025. Students presented their inspirational and moving essays, creative writing, and artwork to an enthusiastic audience of families, friends, teachers, and community members. Winners received certificates and scholarships ranging from $1000 for first place to $200 for third place. In addition, local elected officials including State Senator Alonzo T. Washington, State Delegate Ashanti F. Martinez, and Prince George’s County Council Member At-Large Jolene Ivey attended and presented citations of recognition to each student.

We thank the Greenbelt Black History & Culture Committee, Greenbelt Recreation Department, and the City of Greenbelt for continuing to co-sponsor our awards ceremony and the Greenbelt Access Television team for recording the ceremony.

We are especially grateful for the donations from community individuals and organizations that make the scholarships possible. We applaud every student who entered their justice reflections in our contest.

We look forward to the 2026 contest and welcome anyone who would like to join us in this work.

The 2025 contest winners are:

NameAwardTitleSchool
Essay   
Ginelys Tavarez Ramirez1st Place“From Chains to Denial: The Hidden Cost of Colonialism in the Dominican Republic”Chesapeake Math and IT Academy North High School
Zyon Lawson2nd Place“The Unfinished Fight Against Lynching”Oxon Hill High School
Caroline Gyan3rd Place“Veil of Injustice: The Erasure”Frederick Douglass High School
Devin Bond3rd Place“The Struggle to Desegregate Prince George’s County Public Schools: A Legacy of Resistance and Resilience”Frederick Douglass High School
Creative Writing   
Cheyenne M. Godfrey1st Place“Fields of Greed”Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Kaliyah Fletcher2nd Place“The Strength in Our Stride”Frederick Douglass High School
Ava Raines3rd Place“Parties Unknown”Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Visual Arts   
Angel Adesoji  1st Place“The Intercepting Fingers”Chesapeake Math and IT Academy North High School
Angelina Akumkperik2nd Place“Latasha Harlins”Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Riley-Alicia Burton3rd Place“Never Forgotten”Charles Herbert Flowers High School

Special thanks to the PGC LMP Education Committee members: Crystal Carpenter and Pat Neal Co-Chairs, Lula Beatty, Mark Collins, Mary Craft, Mark Docken, Terry Hamlin, Neil Hartigan, Pat McCartney, Sherri Mehta.

Join Us for a Meaningful Book Discussion on Barracoon (2/11/2025)

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Join Us for a Meaningful Book Discussion on Barracoon

The Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project invites you to an engaging and thoughtful conversation about Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston. This powerful book recounts the true story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last known survivors of the transatlantic slave trade, in his own words. Through this discussion, we will explore themes of history, resilience, and community remembrance, while connecting them to our ongoing work of honoring those affected by racial violence in Prince George’s County.

In addition to the discussion, we will be joined by Evelyn D. Milton, a fourth-generation descendant of Osia and Innie Keeby, whose ancestors were brought to America aboard the Clotilda, the last known slave ship. Through her family’s powerful story, Evelyn will share a unique and personal connection to this pivotal chapter in American history.

Whether you’ve read the book or are simply interested in the conversation, we welcome you to join us as we reflect, learn, and build together.

Event Details:
📅 Date: February 11, 2025
🕒 Time: 7pm
📍 Link to register: https://bit.ly/2025PGCLMPBook

Join Us: Prince George’s County Public Hearing on Lynching – January 25, 2025 (REGISTER TODAY)

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The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s public hearing for Prince George’s County will be held in partnership with the Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project on Saturday, January 25th from 10am to 2pm at Bowie State University, and virtually. The stories of the four Black men who were victims of documented racial terror lynchings in PGC will be told, descendant testimonies will be heard, and expert witnesses on the impacts and will speak. An opportunity for Public Comment will be provided. Pre-registration is encouraged: Link to RSVP

The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in 2019 by House Bill 307 and amended by House Bill 297 in 2021 and Senate Bill 478 in 2023. The MLTRC is authorized to research cases of racially motivated lynchings and hold public meetings and regional hearings where a lynching of an African American by a white mob has been documented. Home – Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Join Us: PGCLMP Winter 2024 Book Discussion: February 27, 2024

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“PGCLMP Book Discussion: Don’t Let Them Bury My Story: The Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre In Her Own Words“

Join the Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project (PGCLMP) for a discussion on Don’t Let Them Bury My Story: The Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre In Her Own Words by Viola Ford Fletcher and Ike Howard. Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest survivor and last living witness of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, shares the journey and lasting impact of the Tulsa Massacre on her life.

In addition to the book chat, educator and author, Karen Gross, will join us for a special discussion on trauma. 

The book is available in many media, at local libraries, independent, online and in person bookstores. If you plan to buy it, consider Black-owned/progressive independent bookstores in the area (e.g., Loyalty Books, Mahogany Books, My Dead Aunt’s Books, Politics and Prose, Sankofa, and Solid State).

Date: Tuesday, February 27th at 7pm

Link to register: https://bit.ly/2024PGCLMPBook

2023 Racial Justice Essay and Creative Arts Contest Winners

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The Prince George’s County Lynching Memorial Project is honored and excited to congratulate the winners of our 2023 Racial Justice Essay and Creative Arts contest. Each of our nine award winners is a Prince George’s County high school public, private, or homeschooled student.

Winners Jessica Kennerly, A’nya Vest, Ismael Mercado Cruz, Tami Ademumo, Amber Ware, Dorothy Quanteh, Bria Pruden and Carissa Nwabueze pose with Greenbelt Mayor Emmet Jordan at the awards ceremony.

The students were celebrated at an awards program attended by their families, friends, teachers, and community members held at the Greenbelt Community Center on June 17, 2023. Students presented their essays, creative writing, and artwork to audience applause. We thank the Greenbelt Black History & Culture Committee, Greenbelt Recreation Department, and the City of Greenbelt for sponsoring our awards ceremony and Greenbelt Access Television for recording the ceremony.

Student winners received certificates and scholarship money for their future educational pursuits. In addition, winners were invited to attend the Hurston/Wright Foundation Summer Writer’s Workshop at Howard University. We are grateful for the donations from community individuals and organizations that made the scholarships possible. We commend all students who entered their justice reflections in our contest.

To watch a recording of the full awards ceremony, click here: https://youtu.be/vLOChpcgv0A

PGCLMP Co-Secretary Lula Beatty calls the names of the four documented lynching victims.
Bria Pruden, a student from Suitland High School, and the 3rd place visual arts contest entry.
First place essay contest winner Tami Ademumo of Frederick Douglass High School
Audience members listen to Sherri Arnold

A full list of this year’s winners can be found below.

Essay and Creative Writing Winners
Tami Ademumo1st PlaceFrederick Douglass High School
Dorothy Quanteh2nd PlaceCharles Herbert Flowers High School
Jessica Kennerly3rd PlaceSuitland High School
Amber WareHonorable MentionCharles Herbert Flowers High School
Emani Rose-LouisHonorable MentionFrederick Douglass High School
Visual Arts Winners
Carissa Nwabueze1st PlaceEleanor Roosevelt High School
Ismael Mercado Cruz2nd PlaceFrederick Douglass High School
Bria Pruden3rd PlaceSuitland High School
A’nya VestHonorable MentionFrederick Douglass High School

Thomas Juricks’s Remembrance Ceremony

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Did you miss our community remembrance ceremony for Thomas Juricks? Did you attend and want to relive the reverent, special time? Are you looking to see how a similar event for your own community might be structured?

We thank our partners at the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project (and its founder and director Will Schwartz) for capturing the ceremony in full. Watch below.