News release from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants:
Mad Ants announce Black History Month Essay Contest and Community Conversation
(January 13, 2020) – The Fort Wayne Mad Ants, presented by Lutheran Health Network, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, announced today the team will celebrate Black History Month with an essay contest for middle school and high school students throughout northeast Indiana as well as northwest Ohio.
Beginning today, students wishing to participate will be asked to write 250-500 words about a prominent African American figure with a connection to Fort Wayne, how they have impacted the community and what the students can do to serve as a positive influence throughout their communities as well.
Students will have until Monday, Jan. 20 to submit essays here: https://pacers.formstack.com/forms/bhmcontest
Four judges from the Purdue Fort Wayne Black Student Union will aid in selecting finalists for the two divisions. The two winners will be notified by Friday, Jan. 24.
The two winners will be awarded a prize pack consisting of: a personalized Mad Ants basketball, tickets to the Saturday, Feb. 1 game vs. Canton, a tablet device courtesy of 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, appearances on WANE-TV before the game on Feb. 1 as well as on-court recognition during the game.
In conjunction with the essay contest, the Mad Ants will host a Community Conversation, highlighted by a prominent group of panelists, to discuss the essay topic in more detail with children from the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne. The conversation will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The scheduled panel will feature:
- Terra Brantley: WANE-TV news anchor
- Ron Howard: Fort Wayne Mad Ants community development manager
- Iric Headley: Fort Wayne United director
- Joe Jordan: Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne CEO and president
- Amos Norman: Renaissance & Skyview YMCA executive director
- Dr. Rae Pearson: Alpha Rae Personnel CEO
The two essay contest winners will also present their essays with members from the Boys & Girls Club during the conversation.
Official contest rules can be viewed here: https://fortwayne.gleague.nba.com/mad-ants-black-history-month-student-essay-contest-official-rules/.
About the Fort Wayne Mad Ants
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, are owned and operated by Pacers Sports & Entertainment. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ftwaynemadants.com or call 260-469-HOOP. Follow the Mad Ants on Twitter (@TheMadAnts), Facebook (/themadants) or Instagram (@fortwaynemadants).About the NBA G League
The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 28 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2019-20 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Fifty-two percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2018-19 season boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.
Related Images:
