Students attending any college or university in the Austin area are invited to submit essays on the topic: “Racial Harmony: From the Personal to the Global.” Six finalists will be selected to present their essays, and three scholarship prize winners will be announced, at the Second Annual Louis Gregory Symposium on Race Unity on April 18 at Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St. Keynote speaker is Dr. Richard Thomas, a renowned historian and writer in the field of race relations from Michigan State University. Workshops on building personal and community unity will also be featured.

Essays will be judged on:

* Relevance to topic, content and clarity of thought.
* Focus and Coherence — from introduction to conclusion the ideas are related and add depth to the essay.
* Organization — writer uses smooth transitions and ideas are clear.
* Development of Ideas — writer develops ideas with specific details that enhance the essay.
* Voice — writer engages the reader with choice of words. Writer’s unique personality and insights are evident via the writer’s choice of words.
* Conventions — writer uses correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
* Oral presentation by top six essayists — integrity of presentation, impact, poise, confidence, clarity, and volume.
* Selection of scholarship awards winners will be based on both the submitted essays and the oral presentations.

The scholarships to be awarded are: $1,000 for first place; $500 for second place; and $250 for third place. Essays should be typed, double-spaced, and five to 10 pages in length. Include the writer’s full name, email address, postal mailing address and phone number on the essay document and submit via email to [email protected] by midnight on April 4.

For more information, .