By Kebba Camara

The U.S Embassy in The Gambia, on Wednesday, 11 March, held an award ceremony for the participants of the Black History Month Essay Competition at the Embassy lawn along Kairaba Avenue.
Speaking at the presentation, the U.S ambassador to The Gambia, Barry L. Wells, told the gathering that in February this year, the U.S Embassy organised a national essay competition for all senior secondary students in The Gambia in celebration of the U.S National Africa-America History month. He said the objective of the competition was to encourage secondary school students to read and write about African-America history and particularly to focus on how that history relates to the history of The Gambia.

“Each February, the U.S celebrates Black history months. This period of the year provides an opportunity to acknowledge the historical, political, social, cultural and economic contribution of people of Africa origin throughout the world”, said Ambassador Wells.
“I’m happy to inform you that all the students, who participated in this contest, will be honoured with certificates by the American Embassy for their hard work and commitments” added the ambassador.
He concluded by congratulating the students who participated in the contest and also those selected as finalists.
Alhasan Darboe of Nusrat Senior Secondary School was announced the winner of the competition, whiles Foday Jawo of Gambia Senior Secondary School came second and followed by Seedy Njie of Glory Baptist School in third position.
The Essay Competition is said to be designed to expose young students, mainly those from Senior Secondary Schools, to understand Africa-American history and vis a vis Gambian history as well as the achievements of Africa-Americans.