Black History Month Essay Contest Washington, DC Trip

In celebration of Black History Month, students across the Delaware Valley were invited to participate in the 76ers Black History Month essay contest.

Students were asked to explain how they can take a stand and apply Dr. King’s philosophy to promote non-violence within their communities.

Hundreds of students wrote in, sharing their unique and well thought-out ideas on how to decrease violence in their communities. At the conclusion of the contest, five essays were selected and the winners were invited to take a trip to Washington, DC to see the Sixers take on the Washington Wizards.

The trip began early Wednesday morning, as the students and their chaperones gathered at 30th Street station, each excited and anxious to see what the Sixers had in store. For the majority of the students, this would be their first time on a train and the start to a memorable adventure.

Thanks to the generosity of Amtrak, the five students were able to travel in style capturing all the sights between Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Fifteen year old Gregory of Philadelphia, immediately went to the rear of the car to stare out the window as the train pulled out of the station.

Once arriving in Washington, DC students loaded the bus provided by Durham Bus Company and the first stop would be to The Museum of African Art where the students would meet up with Executive Advisor to the Sixers and basketball legend, Sonny Hill. Together everyone walked throughout the museum looking at the various African art exhibits, including authentic tribal pieces.

Students were also able to view photos taken during the Civil Rights Movement of men and women, not much older than themselves as they demonstrated non-violent techniques while fighting for equality. Realizing the connection between the subject matter of their essays and the photos; the students were deeply moved by the stories they read.

Later that evening the students traveled to the Verizon Center for the game and quickly realized they were very special guests of the Sixers. Each student had the opportunity to meet with members of the team prior to the start of the game and share their essays with the players.

Zack Storr of Atlantic City was thrilled when Sixers Forward, Thaddeus Young, picked up his essay and began to read why he was selected as a winner. Many photos were taken and autographs were given, making this a chance in a lifetime experience for each person!

The fun didn’t stop there, as the students welcomed the players to the court by making up the high-five tunnel. Each student got to high-five the team as they entered the court and cheer for their favorite players during the game. Their cheers must have been the good luck charm because in the end the Sixers defeated the Wizards with a score of 106-98.

The final excitement to the trip came when the group was able to live like the Sixers as they traveled back with the team on the private train provided by Amtrak. The students traveled in first- class back to Philadelphia, sitting amongst the players and coaches. Even Sixers guard, Lou Williams took time to talk to the students one on one, answering questions on life in the NBA and what it is like to have your own shoe contract!

The students left Philadelphia a basketball fan and returned a TRUE SIXERS FAN!
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