“A Mile in My Shoes” Writing Project
African-American Males Telling Their Own Stories
For 7th – 12th Graders
February 1 – April 17, 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. The purpose of the “A Mile in My Shoes” writing project is to give a voice to young African-American males, to allow them to define themselves, their world, their hopes, and their dreams. As the visual media “recreates” their image, it has become increasingly important that they are given opportunities to share their own lives through the written word. We hope that schools across the United States will encourage their African- American male students grades 7 thru 12 to write and submit their essays. It is our 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.

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 leaders of organizations who work with male students will help to promote this project across the country. May God bless all who assist in this endeavor to “Pay it Forward" as we sow into the lives of our young men.

Contest Entry Form and Rules