The Indianapolis Recorder congratulates the two winners of the 2025 Black History Month Student Poetry and Essay contest. In the poetry category, Genesis Henry won for her poem entitled “Prepare.” Amari Batchelor won for her essay on the importance of celebrating Black History Month.
Check out the winning entries below.
Poetry contest winner: Genesis Henry
“Prepare”
I go to prepare a place for you.
No matter the weather, we will stick together
Hand in hand, as we escape the land
Make a change, to be free in exchange.
I go to prepare a place for you.
Years and years, we’ve shed our tears
As we pluck the seeds that wind our gears
But with those gears, they lead a track
Once you go, you won’t go back
I’ve come to prepare a place for you.
A free man, free, but not from discrimination.
He once had a dream.
A dream to see us laugh and beam
Not on the ground and cannot breathe.
There is much change to be done, since everyone’s not regal.
Even though we’ve done a lot,
But we cannot stop,
Until everyone, present and future, is considered equal.
We go to prepare a place for them.
Essay contest winner: Amari Batchelor
Why is Black History Month important?
Once a year, starting February 1st to February 28th, we celebrate Black History Month. This celebration honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans. But you still might think, why is it still important?
Black history is important because it helps us understand the struggles and challenges that the African Americans face throughout our history. For example, Harriet Tubman, a very brave woman who escaped slavery and went on to free hundreds of others through an underground railroad. Even when she was facing danger, Tubman stayed determined, fighting for her freedom. Learning about Harriet Tubman’s acts inspire us to have incredible courage, leadership skills, and strong commitment.
Black History Month is also important because it calls attention to the changes African Americans made. For instance, Madam C.J. Walker, an African American entrepreneur, she made hair care and beauty products for African American women. This business not only made her become one of the wealthiest self-made women, but also gave people jobs and opportunities.
Last but not least, Black History Month reminds us of the struggle for equality and justice today.
In conclusion, Black history is crucial because it highlight the people who overcame the biggest obstacles to achieve happiness. By learning this history we learn to understand our history, and to appreciate them.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
