The impact Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune had on countless lives in Florida and the United Methodist Church has been well documented. The epicenter of that impact is the school she founded in Daytona Beach – Bethune-Cookman University.
Now, two students from B-CU will have the opportunity to be in Washington, D.C. in July when the monument to Dr. Bethune is formally unveiled in U.S. Capitol Statutory Hall.
The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church announced a contest where current B-CU students submit original works on the following theme: "Honoring the past, inspiring the future: How the life & work of Dr. Bethune has impacted me."
“Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune blazed trails in education and in civic engagement," said Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, the Conference Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries.
"Her service spanned decades of fruitful leadership, providing an example for countless students both in the classroom and in life.”
The submissions can be in one of three formats.
• A video, no longer than three minutes.
• A written essay such as a poem, essay, or short story no longer than 500 words.
• Audio art such as a song, spoken word, or an original musical composition, no longer than three minutes.
B-CU alumni and FLUMC staff members will serve as judges. Their criteria include creativity and how well the submission addressed the theme.
“Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the great spiritual exemplars in the history of our nation, and one of Florida’s greatest gifts to the world," Florida Conference Bishop Kenneth Carter said.
"Her history, and the history of the school that bears her name, Bethune-Cookman University, is one that we are called to remember and pass on in creative and faithful ways.”
The winners receive round-trip air fare, lodging, a per-diem allowance for food, and incidental expenses.
The entry deadline is May 26. Follow this link for a submission form.
All submissions become the property of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Various entries may be published on the Conference website and social media channels.
Students are urged to make a copy of their entry as none will be returned.
Original source can be found here.
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