The Kids Free Trip to Africa Program Announces Black History Month Essay Contest

WUVS 103.7 The Beat in Partnership with Local Education and Alumni Celebrates Black History through a Unique Contest

WUVS 103.7 The Beat, in collaboration with the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System (MHPSAS), distinguished Muskegon Heights alumni, and author Tracee Bruce, have unveiled an exciting Black History Month Essay Contest exclusively for the juniors and seniors of MHPSAS.

Students will engage with Tracee Bruce’s seminal work, “Systems That Shape(d) Black America: 40 Mini Lessons Outlining Defining Moments from Slavery to Modern Day,” as a cornerstone of the competition. Bruce, a Muskegon Heights alumna herself, expressed her enthusiasm about the contest: “This is a major, once in a lifetime opportunity for these students, and I’m pleased to participate in this program this year. It’s particularly meaningful that Muskegon Heights, my alma mater, is the first school officially reading my book – it’s a dream come true, and the chance to escort three winners to Africa is just beyond words!”

Paul Allen Billings, alumni of Muskegon Heights and founder of WUVS 103.7 The Beat, highlighted the contest’s significance: “This book will encourage our kids to delve deeper into their rich history, while simultaneously offering an opportunity to three students to witness history where it unfolded.”

Contestants will compose essays reflecting on the impact of the book on their understanding of Black History. In March, three deserving students will be selected to partake in the Kids Free Trip to Africa in June – an all-expenses-paid educational journey sponsored by WUVS 103.7 The Beat.

The panel of judges boasts personalities such as Tracee Bruce, representatives from Read Muskegon, and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System officials. To commemorate the occasion, each student received a personalized autographed copy of Bruce’s book, a token made possible by the generous contributions from Read Muskegon, United Way of the Lakeshore, DTE Energy, MillerKnoll, and Consumer Energy.

Since the inception of the Kids Free Trip to Africa Program in 2017, over 30 high school students have been afforded the transformative experience of visiting Ghana, West Africa, with costs covered in full – a testament to the community’s commitment to enriching the lives and educations of its youth.

About WUVS 103.7 The Beat:

WUVS 103.7 The Beat is the leading urban radio station in Muskegon, focusing on community enrichment and providing a platform for education and empowerment.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Allen Billings

Phone: (231) 727-5007