In a bid to further expose students to African American history and achievements made by African Americans, the US Embassy in Banjul recently concluded its black history month essay competition.

The competition, the second of its kind to be held in the country, brought together twenty-one students who took part in the competition out of which three best essay writers were selected.

Alhassan Darboe, a student of NusratSeniorSecondary School came out first while Foday Jawo of Gambia Senior Secondary and Seedy Njie of Glory Baptist Senior Secondary School emerged second and third positions respectively.

At an award ceremony held at the US Embassy along

Speaking at the ceremony, US Ambassador Barry Wells said the celebration of black history month provides an opportunity to knowledge the historical, political, social, cultural and economic contributions of people of African origin through out the world.

“Each February, the US celebrates black history month. The period of the year provides an opportunity to acknowledge the historical, political, social, cultural and economic contributions of people of African origin throughout the world”, Ambassador wells noted.

According to him, the story of black history month begins with Historian Carter G. Woodson. He added that Woodson’s passion about black history evolved in the most unlikely places while he worked at a Coal mine, the daily conversation of the black civil war veterans often focused on interesting historical facts not recorded in history books.

He hailed Woodson for his tireless efforts that earn him the title ‘Father of Black History’.

Mr Momodou Jeng, Director of Standards and Quality assurance at the State Department for Basic and Secondary Education expressed similar sentiments.