Poster on white background with an illustration of a pencil in blue and pink; Asian Institute logo is centred at the bottom. Poster reads "Anti-Racism International Youth Writing Contest 2022 Write an essay of up to 1000 words in response to the quote “We have always lived in a pandemic of racism.”

The discourse of multiculturalism too often frames racism as an isolated historical phenomenon that was successfully replaced by cultural diversity. This rhetoric fails to acknowledge the legacy of discriminatory policies that continue to impact many racialized communities today. The pandemic made this clear by magnifying existing systemic racisms, which have resulted in the deaths and displacement of many marginalized groups globally.

The effects of racism have been particularly pronounced in student communities who endure precarious work conditions and institutional racism, and whose community networks have dissolved as a result of the pandemic. Academic institutions have revealed their lack of capacity or willingness to address the social and emotional needs of youth.

In response to the systematic disenfranchisement of youth, the Anti-Racism International Youth Writing Contest is designed to offer students the opportunity to define and lead conversations about racism at a personal and political level. This is a youth-led competition for youth, open to anyone aged 14 to 21 across the world, regardless of background and nationality.

“We have always lived in a pandemic of racism.”

Submit a piece of written work about your reflections on the given quote. We are interested in hearing your story and unique perspective about the topic. The use of personal narratives to inform your writing is highly encouraged.

Submission:

**The deadline has been extended!**

Please submit essays through this form by 22 August, 2022 at 11:59 pm EDT. Winners will be announced in October 2022.

If you are unable to access the google form, please submit the following materials to antiracismwritingcontest@gmail.com by August 22: a single pdf document of your essay meeting all the format requirements (12-point font, title, word count, no identifying information) and a second pdf document with the following information: name, school affiliation, age, and a statement confirming that you have read the Essay Specifications and Terms and Conditions.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Applicants must be aged 14-21 years old (as of January 1st, 2022).
  • The essay must be the sole original work of the applicant, only one entry will be accepted per applicant. Essays must not have been previously published in any form.
  • The essay must address the quote given.
  • The essay must be in English, in 12-point font, and must not exceed 1000 words (strict requirement; please indicate word count at the end of the essay). Include the title of your essay on all pages of your document submission.
  • Do not indicate your name/or any identifying information in the document. All submissions are reviewed through double-blinding.

*The contest is free to all interested applicants meeting the age requirement, regardless of nationality and background.

Awards

  • Cash prize: (1st place) $1000CAD, (2nd place) $500CAD, (3rd place) $200CAD
  • All winners will be invited to a public event to speak about their essays/topic, hosted by the Asian Institute
  • Top responses will be published in the UofT’s Synergy undergraduate journal headshots of the 5 finalist judges, Takashi Fujitano, Farzana Doctor, Jasmin Zine, Angel Di Zhang, and Natasha Deen, on a white background

    PANEL OF FINALIST JUDGES

    • Takashi Fujitani, Professor, Department of History; Dr. David Chu Chair and Director in Asia Pacific Studies, U of T
    • Farzana Doctor, Toronto-based Author, Activist and Psychotherapist
    • Jasmin Zine, Professor, Sociology, Religion & Culture and Muslim Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University
    • Angel Di Zhang, Writer, Internationally exhibited Fine-Art Photographer and Painter
    • Natasha Deen, Canadian author, Children and Young Adult fiction works

How are winners determined?

All eligible entries will be assessed by the 2022 Anti-Racism International Youth Writing Contest screening team, from which the top five entries will be ranked by a panel of five finalist judges who will select the top three winners. All entries will be judged according to the following criteria:

  • Relevance: the extent to which the essay addresses the quote/topic
  • Creativity and originality
  • Clarity and depth of writing
  • Writing accuracy and style (punctuation, grammar, spelling)

*All contest results are final and up to the discretion of the contest’s organizer.

Notification of Results

  • The winners will be contacted by email on the announcement date.
  • Winners have 5 business days from the date of notification to accept the nomination and prize; the 2022 Anti-Racism International Youth Writing Contest Organizing Team shall not be liable for late/lost/unsuccessful efforts to notify the winners.
  • If a potential winner does not comply with the rules listed, the 2022 Anti-Racism International Youth Writing Contest Organizing Team reserves the right to void any unresponsive entry and select another eligible entrant for the prize; the 2022 Anti-Racism International Youth Writing Contest Organizing Team shall be fully and completely released and discharged from any liability or responsibility in this regard.

For any inquiries, please contact us at antiracismwritingcontest@gmail.com.

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