Xavier University Department of History Spring 2012 2nd Annual Essay Contest Xavier University’s History Department is pleased to announce our second annual high school essay contest; the contest is open to all Juniors and Seniors in the state of Louisiana, whether you decide to attend Xavier University or not! First Place: $500 Second Place $250 Third Place: $100 The mission of Xavier University states: “The ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society.” In 1946, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Morgan v. Virginia that segregation in interstate travel was unconstitutional. In 1960, in Boynton v. Virginia, the high court ruled that segregation was also illegal in bus terminals. In both cases the law of the court was not enforced in the south. During the summer of 1961, black and white activists participated in an event known as the Freedom Rides. Their goal was to put into practice laws of the court. For this essay, discuss how the participants of the 1961 Freedom Rides embodied all aspects of Xavier’s mission including leadership, social justice and creation of a more just and humane society in their fight to challenge the Jim Crow laws of the South. Details: •
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Essay should be original work of 1000 – 1500 words addressing the above question; Submit electronically (as a .doc or .rtf file) to kahamilt@xula.edu; Include your name and contact information in the e-­mail message. DO NOT include your name in the attached essay file; Deadline: February 1, 2012; winners will be announced March 1, 2012 The winning essay will be published on the Xavier History Department Website!