The Annual Dr. Maya Angelou Essay Contest: “We Must Not Be Defeated” 🖤

The Dr. Maya Angelou Foundation is honored to continue its tradition of uplifting, inspiring, and shaping the next generation of writers and leaders through the Annual Dr. Maya Angelou Essay Writing Contest: “We Must Not Be Defeated.”

On behalf of the Estate of Mr. Guy Johnson and the Dr. Maya Angelou Foundation, we invite eligible high school juniors and seniors in the Oakland Unified School District (O.U.S.D.) and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (W.S.F.C.S.) to participate in this prestigious writing opportunity.

Created and funded specifically for Oakland Public Schools by Mr. Guy Johnson—writer, poet, and the devoted son of Dr. Maya Angelou—this contest honors the legacy of both Mr. Johnson and his iconic mother. A passionate literacy advocate and longtime classroom volunteer, Mr. Johnson launched this contest in 2019 to amplify young voices that deserve to be heard. The contest includes Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, further honoring Dr. Angelou’s deep connection to the community where she lived and taught.

Why Participate?
✅ Grand Prize: $5,000
✅ Additional Cash Awards for top submissions
✅ Publication Opportunity for select students, even if they don’t win cash prizes
✅ An incredible chance to showcase writing skills and share personal stories

We encourage students to embrace the writing process, revision, and storytelling—a belief Mr. Johnson championed in his mission to support literacy and excellence in education.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with students, teachers, counselors, parents, and community members who can inspire young writers to participate.