The 100 Black Men of Chattanooga is hosting its 2017 African American History Challenge Bowl this Saturday, on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the University Center Auditorium starting at 4 p.m.
The African-American History Challenge Bowl is a challenging and fun way for our high school students and guest to expand their knowledge and appreciation for African-American History in this highly competitive event said Erskine Oglesby, president of the 100 Black Men of Chattanooga.
This year's guest moderator is Booker T. Scruggs, II, an accomplished educator, musician and community leader. In 1960, Mr. Scruggs was 1 of a group of Howard High School students that helped integrate lunch counters in Chattanooga.
This year's competing high schools are Brainerd, East Ridge, Hixson, The Howard School and Tyner Academy.
Last year’s winner was Christopher Kyles and Tyrese Starling from Tyner Academy who went on to competed in the national competition in Atlanta, GA in June of 2016.
The exclusive resource book for the competition is entitled “Life Upon These Shores: Looking at African American History, 1513-2008”. by the cultural writer, Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
John Edwards chairman of the event stated the winners receive a trophy, awards and an all expense paid trip to represent the Chattanooga chapter in New Orleans, LA June 7-10, 2017 at the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. 31st Annual International Conference and National Competition.
The winning school will be presented with the Championship Cup that will be displayed at the school. for 2017-2018.
Because this is the 5th Anniversary Celebration of the History Bowl, the previous winning schools Hixson (2013), Brainerd (2014), Hixson (2015) and Tyner (2016) will be presented a trophy that will be on permanent display at their schools.
This event is sponsored by the Central Intelligence Agency, Volkswagen Chattanooga, Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Trust, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, EPB Fiber Optic, Mary Walker Historical & Educational, First Tennessee Foundation, SunTrust Foundation, WTCI and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
Please feel free to call 423-821-6700 with any questions.