STEP 2: Use the theme and topic definition and source recommendation information as a research starting point (see the "Choosing an Essay Topic" page). Do additional research to learn more about the theme and topic and historical event you have selected to write about in your essay.

STEP 3: Once you have done your research, write an essay between 800 and 1000 words that responds to the following prompt:

A myth of Black inferiority and white supremacy was developed to justify slavery in the United States. Even though we ended chattel slavery, we did not end the myth of racial difference. EJI believes we need a new era of truth and justice that starts with confronting our history of racial injustice. Based on the theme and topic and historical event you selected, how does the history of racial justice help to explain present-day injustice in our society? How can this history be overcome in order to address the challenges our nation is facing today?

STEP 4: When writing your essay and responding to the prompt, be sure to:

• • • Use a specific historical event (see STEP 1) to make connections between the past and present. Discuss how the history of racial and economic injustice and/or narratives of racial difference continue to impact our society today. How do they play out in your life? What are those impacts? What myths do you see shaping the way people are treated?

• • • Offer your insight into how this history can be overcome in order to change current realities. There are many possible approaches, including but not limited to: institutional, educational, interpersonal, changes in power dynamics. We invite you to consider as many approaches as you would like.

      • • • • For this part of your essay, it can be helpful to imagine the world as you believe it should be and then work backwards to decide what changes are required to bring that world into existence.

OPTIONAL: Your essay can include personal reflections and stories in addition to your historical research to support your overall conclusions. While you are not required to, you are free to include reflections about artistic expressions (a song, poem, physical art, etc.) to explain or emphasize an idea or concept that is related to your topic and/or your analysis. You can also include analysis of the influence of media (newspapers, speeches, modern news sources, etc.) and its role in promoting racial injustice or advancing positive change related to racial justice.