Learning black history Four high schools compete in Challenge Bowl

Learning black history Four high schools compete in Challenge Bowl

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 7, 2007-Garinger, Waddell, West Charlotte and West Mecklenburg students will compete in the first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Challenge Bowl.  The event is Saturday, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St.

Two years ago, Charlotte City Councilman James Mitchell (Dem.) began a black history bowl for middle school students during CIAA basketball finals.  This year, he organized a high school version of the competition to celebrate the organization's return to Charlotte for the football championship game.

At first, Mitchell planned to hold the competition for students at his alma mater, West Charlotte High School.  He later added the other three Challenge high schools to give more students an opportunity to learn about black history.

"Students and the community need to learn more about their history and those who made significant contributions to education," Mitchell said.

This year, the teams have been studying for nearly six weeks, meeting before and after school or during lunch periods.  Each team has six members and a coach who is leading the study sessions.

The questions will cover important dates, history and legal cases involving historically black colleges and universities.  The students studied the book I'll Find a Way or Make One by Juan Williams and Dwayne Ashley.  The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County staff developed a study guide and questions for the competition.

"These students have worked hard to learn the material." Mitchell said.  "They are all winners in my book." Students will compete in three rounds of true-false and multiple-choice questions.  The winners from the first and second rounds will compete for the title. 

"This is a fantastic way for our students to learn about black history and these schools," Area Superintendent Curtis Carroll said Prizes include college savings bonds, iPods and gift cards.

All team members will be recognized during half-time at the CIAA football championship game 1 p.m., Memorial Stadium.  The event is not open to the public.