Waverly Davis and Rion Walker Win Black History Month Essay Competition

Floor Speech

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Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the student winners of my first annual Black History Month Essay Competition: Waverly Davis from Reeves Middle School in Olympia, Washington, and Rion Walker from Curtis Senior High School in University Place.

I created this program to help students share the stories of Black leaders who have influenced Washington State, especially in the times we are in today.

Waverly highlighted Dorothy Hollingsworth, the first Black woman elected to the Seattle School Board in 1975, who went on to serve on the Washington State Board of Education. Hollingsworth's commitment to civil rights and equality laid the foundation for all Washington students.

From Waverly's essay: ``Her story has made me feel hope that things aren't always as set in stone as they seem.''

Rion wrote about Quincy Jones, producer, composer, and musician, who started his journey in Seattle and broke racial barriers across the music and film industries.

From Rion's essay: ``Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not, and addressing this gap is a civic responsibility.''

I thank our judges and all the students who participated. These essays remind us that Black history is Washington State history and American history.

Happy Black History Month.

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