The annual African Folklore Competition, sponsored by the Pan African Studies, asks students to compose an original folktale with elements of African storytelling. On May 7, Lashanna Bryant ’21, Eric Hamada ’22, Tiara Moore ’21, Tessa Kilcourse ’20, and Shakiya Smith ’23 were announced as winners of the competition. Winners are typically honored with a celebration on campus, but due to the pandemic, the awards ceremony was held virtually. Each winning student received a certificate and prize for their accomplishment.

Students were tasked with writing an African folktale between 500 and 1,000 words that included six elements: simple characters with a specific trait; a strong, memorable setting; a problem to solve; thematic use of magic or fantasy; cultural relevance; and an explanation or meaning behind the story.