Washington Wizards Partners with Greater Washington Urban League for Black History Month

Washington, D.C (Jan. 23, 2023) - For the second consecutive year, the Washington Wizards are hosting an essay contest for high school students. Partnering with the Greater Washington Urban League (Washington, D.C.), the contest honors Dr. Edwin Bancroft (E.B) Henderson, a sports historian, educator, administrator, coach, athlete, and civil rights activist known as the 'Grandfather of Black Basketball' in Washington, D.C.

The contest, open to all high school seniors attending eligible schools within a 75-mile radius, will run through February 1, 2023, with the winners being announced at a Wizards home game during Black History Month. To celebrate and honor Dr. E.B. Henderson’s passion for education and his pursuit for equal rights, participants will submit a 350-word essay describing their passion and goals for the future and what one of the biggest challenges they will face in pursuing their dreams.

Essays will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman Ted Leonsis, the Washington Post’s Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill and E.B. Henderson’s grandson, Edwin Henderson. The top three essay winners will win a monetary scholarship towards their continued education or college of their choice. The grand prize winner will receive $3,000, the second-place winner will receive $2,000 and the third-place finisher will receive $1,000 courtesy of the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, with Leonsis matching the foundation’s prize earnings. Winners will also be recognized in-game on February 24 when the Wizards host the New York Knicks as well as on all Wizards’ digital platforms.

To get more information, please see the full press release here.