Eighth Grade Students Sweep Ravens Black History Month Essay Contest

Eighth grader Megha Dhillon ‘28 took top honors in the the fourth annual Baltimore Ravens Black History Month Middle School Essay Contest. This year’s contest, with the theme Black in the Arts, was open to all middle and high school students in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.

Megha wrote about her personal connection to Maryland rapper Foggieraw and her appreciation for his music and lyrics. “Foggieraw is crucial to the modern Black arts because of his innovative approach, which not only amplifies black voices, but also challenges established narratives,” she wrote. 

Megha was introduced to the rapper’s music by her older brother Saraj, and through Foggieraw’s music, they developed a connection as a family. Her brother called home from college to congratulate Megha on her win. “That was really nice, it’s nice knowing that someone is proud of what I did. The fact that he was proud made me happy,” Megha said.  

Megha’s parents, brother and grandfather joined her for the award ceremony at the Ravens team facility where she read her essay and received the grand prize in the Middle School division, which came with tickets to a Ravens game next season, a jersey and team swag.  

All Bryn Mawr eighth grade students submitted essays, and the school swept the Middle School contest with Megha and Amelia Velez winning first and second place.  

Amelia’s essay discussed Baltimore abstract artist Shinique Smith who uses recycled materials and inspiration from different artists' backgrounds like Japanese calligraphy and graffiti in her work.  Amelia wrote about her personal connection the Smith’s work as an expression of identity and finding out new things about herself.  

Congratulations to Amelia and Megha!