HOW IT WORKS
Levels
The Black Saga Competition is a learning activity to help elementary and middle school students learn about the African American experience. The Competition is divided into two levels:
- Elementary level is for students in 4th and 5th grades
- The Middle School level is for students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades
If an elementary school is comprised of 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, the 6th grade students (if they desire to participate in the Black Saga Competition) must do so at the Middle School level. Under no circumstances can 6th grade student(s) participate in the Elementary Black Saga Competition.
Teams
Students participating in the Black Saga Competition compete as teams of three students. Elementary teams can be comprised of all 4th graders, all 5th graders, or any combination thereof. Similarly, middle school teams can be comprised of all 6th, 7th, or 8th graders or any combination thereof.
The Competitions
Once students are grouped into teams and students have had time to study, the school conducts its "within school" competition to determine the two teams that will go on to the State Competition.
Two teams from each participating school will compete in their respective Elementary or Middle School State Black Saga Competition. The State Competition consists of Preliminary and Championship Rounds. State Competitions are always held in mid-March.
Please note: Some school districts conduct a countywide Black Saga Competition between the within school and State Finals in order to expose their students to the rigor of the Black Saga Competition and to teach them the value of teamwork, responsibility, and how hard work pays off. Please call your respective county's social studies office to find out if your county is having a countywide Black Saga Competition for elementary and/or middle schools.
Awards
Each student participating in the Black Saga Statewide Competition receives a medal or certificate that acknowledges that he/she is a state finalist.
Awards are also provided to the Top Ten Teams of the Elementary and Middle School levels that have the highest scores in the preliminary competition at the Statewide Black Saga. These ten teams advance to the Championship rounds where they compete again.
The Elementary and Middle School Black Saga Competition champions are determined in the respective Statewide Championship rounds. Each first place team receives a $300 cash award and their names are inscribed on a large plaque that is awarded to the school for their hard work and support. Second and third place winners also receive cash awards, $200 and $100, respectively. In addition, the second and third place winners have their names inscribed on a plaque that goes back to their respective schools. Students can be proud that they contributed to the excellence of their respective schools.
Fourth and Fifth place teams are not awarded cash prizes, but their names are inscribed on plaques presented to each school. The remaining five teams of the Top Ten are honored as well. Each of these has their names inscribed on a plaque identifying them as a Top Ten Team winner. These plaques are awarded to the students, their coordinators, and principals of each school. Students can be proud that they contributed to the excellence of their respective schools.
Eligibility
Public and non-public accredited schools are eligible for participation. If you have questions about eligibility, please call: 410-951-3027.