FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is holding a scholarship contest now open to ninth-12th grade students attending a public high school in Shelby County.

Prizes totaling at least $5,000 will be awarded to winning participants.

This contest coincides with dedication of an EJI historical marker in Montevallo. The marker will memorialize two African American men lynched Aug. 31, 1889 on Main Street. Contest winners will be recognized at the unveiling ceremony in mid-March 2020.

EJI was founded in 1989 by public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson and is based in Montgomery.

EJI provides legal representation to people who have been illegally and/or wrongfully convicted, unfairly sentenced or abused in state jails and prisons; challenges the death penalty and excessive punishment; and offers re-entry assistance to the formerly incarcerated.

In addition, EJI challenges communities to engage in thoughtful conversation about racial and economic injustice.

Montevallo High School students are especially encouraged to participate.

To learn more about the contest, including eligibility and essay guidelines, see https://tinyurl.com/EJI-Montevallo-EssayContest.

Those with questions should contact local organizer Dr. Sierra Turner at diversityandinclusion@montevallo.edu or Essay Coordinator Gabrielle Daniels at gdaniels@eji.org.

The contest is a partnership between EJI and the Montevallo Community Remembrance Coalition.