Cultural Arts Center

Birel L. Vaughn Theater


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(1) Grand Prize - $1000


(4) Runner Ups

 Consolation Prizes  (TBA)

Shirley Chisholm

Unbought & Unbossed

Essay Contest


Submission Deadline

May 26, 2017

2017 ​Nora B. Vaughn Essay Writing Contest 

In honor of Humanitarian Catherine Prater 


Please answer all three (3)  of the following questions in essay format.  


  1. What was the motivation for Shirley Chisholm to participate in politics and run for president?
  2. Who and why did her supporters leave her at the 1972 Democratic National Convention?
  3. ​What do you feel is the "Legacy" left by Shirley Chisholm?


  • All Bay Area High School students are eligible to participate.  Grades 9-12.
  • Essays are due no later than May 26, 2017.
  • Times New Roman Font. Size 12 pt. Single Spaced.
  • Maximum of 8 pages (including title page and bibliography).  Please cite your sources.
  • Please number your pages in the footer with your Last Name and Page Number (Name Page 1 of  2)
  • Please save your essay as "LastName-FirstName-ShirleyChisholmEssay"
  • Please fill in the form below and upload your document 
  • Winners will be notified by email and announced at the 52nd BRG Mainstage Season Finale of  "Shirley Chisholm: Unbought & Unbossed" on Sunday, June 11, 2017.