Grambling Students Celebrate Recycling and Black History with Art Contest

A globe representing key events in black history—everything from a bag of Skittles symbolizing what 17-year old Trayvon Martin was carrying when he was killed to inspirational quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr.—was the people’s choice as winner of an art contest where the pieces were made entirely of recyclable materials.

The Creative Recycling Challenge was held as part of Grambling State University’s Recycle mania event on January 22 to celebrate the launch of a campus-wide recycling initiative with Pratt Industries. GSU students and others in attendance voted on their favorite art pieces, which were on display in Favrot Student Union.

Students from Grambling Middle School and High School focused on pieces celebrating moments in black history to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.

Braniya Moran, a ninth grader, won first place and a $50 gift card for her piece, “Black History Around the World,” which was inspired by Trayvon Martin, Martin Luther King, Jr., Eric Garner and Rosa Parks.

“It’s sad to see all these people who died, especially Martin Luther King, Jr., who brought peace to the world.  This project really means something to me.  I love black history,” Moran said.

Second place and a $25 gift card went to Sean Morris, an eighth grader, for “Rosa Parks on the Bus.”  Morris, who is an avid recycler, created a bus out of a milk carton and the wheels of the bus out of push pops.  He describes Parks’ 1955 decision not to give up her bus seat in the colored section to a white passenger as a “turning point in history.”

Shun Minnifield, a 10^th grader, received third place and a $15 gift card for “The First Light Bulb.” His piece celebrates the work of Lewis Howard Latimer, a draftsman and inventor who received a patent in 1881 for improving the production of carbon filaments used in light bulbs.

Mia Murry, an art teacher at Grambling Middle School and High School, said creating art out of recyclable materials was an interesting challenge for the 16 students who participated in the contest, one that got them thinking about the importance of recycling.

“Some struggled to see what they could create with the materials available, but they enjoyed it.  It makes them think about recycling.  Maybe next time they will think twice about whether to throw something in the trash,” she said.

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About Grambling State University

Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901. The University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The 590-acre campus offers 47 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Grambling State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System.