For the third consecutive year, the Washington Wizards partners with the Greater Washington Urban League to host an essay contest for high school seniors! The contest will honor Dr. Edwin Bancroft (E.B) Henderson, a sports historian, educator, administrator, coach, athlete, and civil rights activist known as the ‘Grandfather of Black Basketball’ and Benjamin Banneker, who is credited as one of the surveyors of the District of Columbia and laying the boundary stones to create the District.

Dr. Henderson, was said to have written over 3,000 letters to newspapers advocating civil rights and Banneker, wrote a letter to the then U.S. Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson advocating for justice of African Americans and opposing slavery. To celebrate and honor their legacies, select a community leader/organization and write an essay between 350-500 words advocating for their cause/mission and its importance in your life.

The top ten essay winners will win monetary scholarships towards their continued education or college of their choice. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000, the second-place winner will receive $4,000, the third-place winner will receive $3,500, and the remaining seven finalists will receive $2,500 courtesy of the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. Winners will also be recognized in-game at a selected Wizards home game and on Wizards’ digital platforms.

All students who submit an essay that fits the criteria of the contest will receive two complimentary tickets to a select home game during the 2023-24 season.

For INFORMATION!!!!