Author’s Notebook

….Reminder: The deadline for the Special Election Day Essay Contest is Wednesday, October 2, 2024 by midnight on this date. The flyers for this contest are now at the Merriweather Library, located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue. You can pick up a copy of the rules from the library or participants can email a message to me at ewriter52@roadrunner. com for a copy.

Completed essays can also be taken to the Merriweather Library. This essay contest is open to any student in the Western New York area public schools and charter schools in grades 9 – 12. The goal of this essay contest is to give students a voice in this historic election. Students must respond to 8 questions. The prizes are first place $125, Second place $75, and $50 third place. All rules must be followed.

…..This columnist has created more than 100 essay contests for youth and adults for many years. It began during my time as a teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools. These contests have covered many topics that have included history, politics, economics, the environment, and ideas to improve our city and communities all across Western New York. Many years ago I had a winner who lived in Bulgaria, in Eastern Europe. He entered one of my contests and won third place. He heard about the contest on my radio show Eye On History, which was heard online. It was a great surprise!!

….Stay tuned to the Eye On History column next week for my response to the debate between Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Also stay tuned to my future article on Haiti, especially since the negative comments on Haitian immigrants living in this country has been circulated in the news and in on social media. Unfortunately, Haiti has always been seen in a negative light. I encourage people to do their own research before forming an opinion without the complete facts!!