The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System began "The Black History Essay Contest" in 1976 as part of its Black History Month celebration. The purpose of the contest was to provide an opportunity for individuals of all ages to express their opinions and ideas and promote research on selected topics relating to the African-American experience. Interested participants were invited to submit an essay, restricted to one thousand (1000) words or less, in one of the four divisions established by the Library. The divisions were Middle School, High School, Young Adult (ages 18-30), and Adult (ages 31 and older). All entries were judged by a panel of area journalists, educators, and library staff members. First and second-place winners in each division received an award and participated in an annual awards program held at the Central Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library. All contestants received a certificate of participation. Essays received throughout the years are part of the Auburn Avenue Research Library's Archives Division. The Black History Essay Contest Collection (BHECC) is maintained in the Archives Division's Ephemeral Collection. The BHECC includes approximately thirteen hundred (1300) essays dating from 1977 to 1992; news articles; correspondence; press releases; photographs; and miscellaneous materials.