Seventh annual Black History Month Art Contest kicks off
January 21, 2022

By UScellular and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

To celebrate black history month, UScellular and The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region announced the commencement of the seventh annual UScellular Black History Month Art Contest. Members are encouraged to create their original pieces of artwork in recognition of influential Black icons in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Candice Champion (UScellular, Talent Brand Specialist) poses with Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley members. Image courtesy of UScellular

KNOXVILLE – In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, representatives from UScellular, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region announced the commencement of the seventh annual UScellular Black History Month Art Contest. Online voting returns for this year’s contest, while also featuring a new educational element.

For the first time, Boys & Girls Clubs members are encouraged to create their original pieces of artwork in recognition of influential Black icons in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators. The contest will encompass the following Tennessee Valley and Ocoee Region clubs: Halls, Walter P. Taylor, Haslam, Regal Teen Center, Northridge Crossing, Vestal, Lenoir City, Madisonville, Vonore, Sweetwater, Rural Vale and Monroe Teen Center.

In late January, 10 finalists will be chosen by representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs and local UScellular leaders based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. The finalists’ artwork will be digitally displayed in select stores, and from Feb. 1-28, anyone 18 and older will be invited to vote for their favorite art online.

“We are excited to celebrate Black History Month and bring a new iteration of this beloved art contest to the Knoxville area,” said Thomas White, director of sales for East Tennessee at UScellular. “The talented youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and the Ocoee Region will have a chance to showcase their creativity and hopefully learn more about the successes that Black people have achieved in STEM. We can’t wait to see what they create.”

“The Arts have always been a way for youth to not only express themselves and showcase their creativity but are also used as a tool for healing and identity development,” said Dr. Tanisha Grimes Oakley, senior leader of strategy implementation and youth development at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “This is even more poignant when African American youth have the opportunity to see themselves represented in the STEM field, showing them that they too have access and can continue to dream big.”

The top three vote-getters will be announced in March and will receive prizes that include $250 for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third.

UScellular is focused on addressing gaps in STEM education and is committed to connecting more than 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators each year with the resources they need today to help shape future opportunities. For more information about UScellular’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please visit newsroom.uscellular.com/community/.

No Purchase Necessary. Entrants who are minors must have parental consent to participate in the Contest. Official Contest Rules, including full entry details and Finalist and Winner selection criteria/voting are available by email request to USCDLMediaRelations@uscellular.com.

About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier is building a stronger network with the latest 5G technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with UScellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.