CLEVELAND, OH – September 6, 2017 –The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is proud to announce the September 13th kickoff of the Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out program, now in its 10th year and as timely as ever. Teachers, parents, and students in grades 6—12, interested in promoting diversity and tolerance through this scholarship opportunity are invited to attend this free event, from 4 to 7pm at the Museum (2929 Richmond Rd, Beachwood).
The event features an introduction to the Stop the Hate® program and special Stop the Hate® tour that includes a short inspiring film about historic instances of discrimination, plus exposure to artifacts, documents, and testimony from advocates and upstanders who stood against bigotry and intolerance.
Guests can also see a video of past scholarship winners reading their essays at award ceremonies and talk with key staff on hand to answer questions. Pizza and drinks provided.
To register for the event or to learn more about the program, call 216-593-0575 or visit the Maltz Museum online at www.maltzmuseum.org.
ABOUT STOP THE HATE®
Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out celebrates students committed to creating a more accepting, inclusive society. By reflecting on real-life situations and detailing ways to make a positive difference in the world, this next generation of leaders can win big.
Stop the Hate® is designed to create an appreciation and understanding among people of differing religions, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. By challenging young people to consider the benefits of a more inclusive society, the consequences of intolerance and the role of personal responsibility in effecting change, the contest also reflects Jewish values of responsible citizenship and respect for all humanity.
Each year, through the generosity of a donor, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage gives out $100,000 in scholarships, awards and anti-bias education in recognition of 6-12th grade upstanders in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties.
This is the program’s 10 year anniversary, and it is as timely as ever.
Last year’s winner, ZEPHANIAH GALLOWAY, then a 12th Grader from Cleveland Early College High School at John Hay, wrote in her personal and powerful essay:
“What does it mean to be black? Is it the way my skin absorbs sun rays? Is it the way my hair twists and turns like the Nile River in the land from which my ancestors were stolen? To this day I cannot answer this question because it calls on the overgeneralization of over one billion people. Overgeneralizations cause stereotypes and I refuse to be a part of this cycle of oppression… I am more than the color of my skin.”
ABOUT THIS YEAR’S THEME
Each year, a new theme is selected for students to consider. This year, in honor of the legacy of Carl and Louis Stokes, the Museum wants to know how students have been and can continue to be an agent of positive change.
The application asks students to, “Share what you’ve learned through your life experiences and tell how you’ll apply that knowledge in helping to create a brighter future… Think about your own life. Have you seen or experienced opportunities to fight racism, bigotry, violence, discrimination, or injustice? How did it inspire you to change the circumstances that created this problem? What actions have you taken toward making these changes a reality?”
In 500 words or less, students are encouraged to share their experiences and submit their essay by the deadline based on grade category.
Grades 6-10
ESSAYS DUE Friday, January 5, 2018, 11:59pm
Grades 11 & 12
ESSAYS DUE Friday, January 19, 2018, 11:59pm
To learn more about entering, join the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage at the September 13th kickoff of the Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out program from 4—7pm at the Museum (2929 Richmond Rd, Beachwood). Pizza and drinks will be served.
For more information on participation, please contact Director of Education & Public Programs, Jeffery Allen at 216-593-0577, jallen@mmjh.org, or visit the Maltz Museum online at www.maltzmusuem.org
###
Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out is generously sponsored by Nordson Corporation Foundation and Dealer Tire.
#stopthehate @stopthehateUS
