Florida A&M University Launches “America 250 FAMU” Essay and Digital Design Contest Exploring the Meaning of Freedom
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Division of Academic Affairs and the Writing Resource Center, announces the “America 250 FAMU” essay and digital design contest in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The initiative invites students from the university and FAMU Developmental Research School to reflect on the evolving meaning of freedom in the United States through creative and scholarly expression. The submission deadline for the contest is March 31, 2026.
“At Florida A&M University, we are committed to cultivating critical thinking and creativity, and the contest invites students to express themselves in writing and design,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D. “This initiative provides a platform for students to share their ideas in meaningful ways.”
As part of the broader commemoration of America’s founding, the contest encourages participants to examine the complexities of freedom across historical, contemporary, and future contexts. Submissions are expected to engage themes such as personal experience, cultural identity, and the enduring contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including FAMU.
The competition, titled “What Does Freedom Mean to You,” features two tracks: an essay contest and a digital design contest. Both are designed to foster critical inquiry and creative exploration while honoring the University’s mission of excellence, leadership, and service.
“The Writing Resource Center is excited to center our annual writing programming, Write Your Way Up!, on celebrating the positive impact HBCUs have made on our country since their founding,” said Director Kendra Mitchell, Ph.D. “We are equally excited to align our passion for empowering writers and communities through hosting this competition. The goal is to continue engaging our campus community with the programming they need to become the effective communicators in and beyond the classroom.”
The essay competition invites participants to submit original works between 750 and 1,200 words that explore perspectives on freedom, including historical interpretations, the role of HBCUs in expanding access to opportunity, and visions for the next 250 years of American democracy. Submissions will be evaluated on critical thinking, historical accuracy, originality, and connection to HBCU legacies.
The digital design competition provides an interdisciplinary platform for creative expression, welcoming submissions such as visual art, short films, multimedia presentations, and performance-based projects. Entries should integrate artistic, historical, and cultural perspectives while demonstrating technical and aesthetic quality.
All submissions must be original, with limited use of artificial intelligence permitted only for brainstorming or editing support. Final entries must reflect the participant’s independent thought and creativity.
The submission deadline for the contest is March 31, 2026. For more information, please contact Dr. Mitchell at WriteYourWayUp@famu.edu.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas, Ph.D.
Alonda.Thomas@famu.edu
