To celebrate Black History Month, ELGL is re-launching a writing series focused on Black joy and experiences in public service. Our goal is to highlight and amplify Black voices in local government, although posts from allies are welcome as well. You are welcome to submit your article in February or anytime during the year. Black History is American History.
We’ll showcase and share your ideas so others can hear your stories and learn from your experiences. As always, anonymous submissions are welcomed if that’s a better way for you to express your ideas.
Writing prompts (use one of these, or write from your own perspective):
- What does Black History Month mean to you, personally?
- How are you celebrating Black History Month?
- How do you celebrate Martin Luther King’s legacy through acts of service?
- What is Black joy for you? What is that joy in public service?
- It’s important to encourage diversity and inclusion around the world and within our communities because…
- Has there been a Black local government leader or local elected official who has made a difference in your life or career? What did they teach you?
- Do you have any favorite stories of Black joy in public service?
- What can you learn from someone of another race?
- How can local government create a more inclusive workplace? What are you doing to make your workplace more inclusive?
- How are you facilitating more diverse community engagement practices to ensure everyone’s voice is heard? How are you centering Black voices?
- What does allyship mean for you? How do you show up?
- Tell us about your favorite book, poem, or other work of art by Black authors.
- Who is the most inspiring Black leader in government? Tell us about their great work!
Other general writing ideas:
- Poem(s)
- Art & Performance Review: discuss or review any art you love that was created by a black artist, whether it be music, literature, theatre… you name it!
- Create a Historical Dialogue (ex: create a dialogue between yourself and a historical black leader, how would you envision this conversation to go, what questions would you ask, what do you think you would learn from them?)
Writing Submission Guidelines
- Aim for 400-1,250 words
- Check out our Writer’s Style Guide
- Articles are due to Allie by the date you sign-up (please feel free to sign up for a date in February, or anytime during the year!)
- Please include 1-2 sentence bio with your social media handles and email
- Please include a header photo for the article. Other photos within the article are also welcome!
- Sign up for as many slots as you would like!
Check out some inspiring examples from last year’s submissions:
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“Service is the Rent You Pay for Room on This Earth” -Shirley Chisholm – Jamilah Stephens
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What Allyship Means to Me? – Ashley Copeland
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A Seat at the Table – J.C. Hudgison
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Black Lives Matter, “I’m Here” – Poem by Ronnie J. Guest Jr
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Racism – Poem submitted anonymously
- Let’s Talk Black History – Margaret Gunther
Sign-up for this series!
Questions? Contact ELGL Digital Coordinator, Allie Breyer.
We look forward to hearing from you!