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