The City of Kennesaw is once again set to become a hub for celebrating and educating on African American history with the eighth annual Black History Bowl Championship. Scheduled for tomorrow at the Ben Robertson Community Center, the event promises to bring middle school students from Cobb and Paulding counties to not just merely compete, but also to engage in a collective acknowledgment of the historical tapestry woven by African Americans.
Since its modest beginnings as a simple bonding activity at the Kennesaw Teen Center, the Black History Bowl has expanded to thoroughly become a key event in the community calendar, with participation numbers climbing to nearly 2,000 students since it started. Bill McNair, the director of the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department, emphasized the importance of the event in a statement obtained from the City of Kennesaw's website, noting, “The Black History Bowl creates an engaging environment where students can learn, think critically and celebrate history together.”
With a schedule kicking off at 9:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony headed by WSB’s Lori Wilson, the participants will be graced by a guest speaker - Caden Harris, known as “The Rich Kid.” The day is structured to include not just competition but also a gospel experience, a hall of fame induction, and a step show by the Divine Nine. Moderators from FOX 5, CBS Atlanta, and the Cobb County Juvenile Courts will conduct the proceedings, ensuring a blend of educational purpose and engaging entertainment.
Further enriching the educational experience, there are a variety of activities set to occur throughout the day, including a "The Media and the Civil Rights Movement" exhibit from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and a chance to meet artists and appreciate their work. This year's support for the championship comes from a collective of community partners, encompassing regional businesses like Portillo’s and First Watch, alongside educational and health institutions like Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Cobb County Public Library.
