Book Awards
Hamden Black History Committee
Book Awards
Award Names
Click here to learn the name of each award, a little about the person after whom the awards were named. The criteria and ranking order, and the amount of each award can be changed depending on the money raised. Our requirements are the most recent transcript and a 350 to 500-word essay for which we choose the topic.
2024 Topic Essay Instructions
Our main idea for 2024 is all about “Holding on to Hope in Tough Times.” Reflecting on the environment we currently live in and the past five years, write how people can stay hopeful and strong when facing tough situations, and explain why hope is important for overcoming challenges. You may incorporate the following: share your thoughts on a program or idea you’d like to see happen to make things better for people of color in your community.
The criteria are ranked on a scale of 1 – 5, with 1 being the most important. We rank only those criteria that apply to us.
1) Academic performance (class rank and grades)
2) Participation in school activities
3) Financial need
4) Participation in Community activities
5) Performance in area of study (n/a)
Come join us!
We appreciate your support. Our events honor and recognize members of the community for their accomplishments and service. Contact us to be notified of future events. Service Awards include:
– Community Service Award
– Business/Professional Service Award
– Professional Service Award
– Religious Service Award
– “We See You” Youth Award
Our theme for 2024
“Holding on to Hope in Tough Times.”
Our Fund Raisers and donations are used to help fund our Book Awards.
– 32 Graduating seniors applied for Book Awards
– 11 Graduating seniors received Book Awards
– Of the 11 Graduating seniors, 10 received a $1,000 Book Award and 1 received a $2,000 Book Award