“A Mile in My Shoes” Writing Project - Phase II
African-American Males Telling Their Own Stories
For 6th – 12th Graders
September 1 - October 31, 2008

Young African-American males are often written about and talked about in the mainstream media, but seldom are they given the opportunity to write and share their own stories. This is Phase II of the “A Mile in My Shoes” Writing Project, a project designed to give a voice to young African-American males, to allow them to define themselves, their world, their hopes, and their dreams. Because of the wonderful essays received earlier this spring during Phase I, it was decided to give aspiring young writers another opportunity to showcase their work and share their lives through the written word. Educators across the United States are asked to encourage their African-American male students (grades 6 thru 12 only) to write and submit their essays. It is the sponsor’s intent to produce a publication of a sample of the essays to be used to increase discussion with, about, and among young males about the issues that impact them most.

Phase I Winners:
1st Place Jr. High Division: Simeon Lyons, Osceola Creek Middle, Loxahatchee, FL
2nd Place Jr. High: Diontre Miles, Tree of Life Public Charter School, Washington, DC
1st Place High School: Asa Fludd, Timberland High, St. Stephen, SC
2nd Place High School: Fred Reed III, Lake Providence High, Lake Providence, LA

This contest is sponsored by Cleo Scott Brown, author of “Witness to the Truth” and her son, Devin Brown, writer, poet, historian, and film consultant. Cleo Brown has spoken/lectured around the country on black history and issues of race.

Personal statement from Cleo Scott Brown:

Some years ago, I saw the movie “Pay It Forward”. In the movie a boy did something special for someone with a requirement that the recipient do something good for others. The concept was called “Pay It Forward”. This contest is my attempt to “Pay It Forward”. When I was working on my book “Witness to the Truth”, an organization called Hedgebrook gave me the opportunity to spend glorious, uninterrupted days of writing on Widby Island in Washington, the most beautiful place I have ever been—all free of charge. They said it was to give women time and space to create a significant work, to give women more of a voice through the written word. They said that it wasn’t a retreat, but an advance. Today, I start repaying that advance as I roll out this contest to the young black men of America who understand that hearts and souls can be touched through the written word. I want to develop opportunities for male students to have their work reach a larger audience and to sow into their lives as they develop their craft. I dedicate this contest to the male I respect and admire most, my father, Rev. John Henry Scott and my two sons, Marlon and Devin Brown. I also do this work in honor of my nephew, Kendall Pullen who was killed by a senseless act of violence on the day I signed the contract for my book “Witness to the Truth”. It is my hope that teachers and others who work with male students will help promote this project. May God bless all who assist in this endeavor to “Pay it Forward" as we sow into the lives of young men.

Contest Entry Form and Rules