PARTICIPANTS IN SUNDAY’S African-American Heritage Bowl competition at Cleveland State Community College included, from left, NAACP director RaSharon King, Tyshawn Chapman, John “Jay J” Sarver, Amyia Brown, coach Cynthia Humes, Mariana Edwards, Jackie Ilinbi, Jasmine Blair, 100 Black Men vice president Tony Blair, and 100 Black Men director Dr. Michael Laney. Winners in the competition advance to the regional event in Atlanta in June at the 100 Black Men of America’s national conference. Banner photo, LARRY C. BOWERS
A team of three middle school students, including an alternate, will compete at the national conference of the 100 Black Men of America. Two high school students will also make the trip.
The first-ever local competition was held Sunday afternoon in the CSCC auditorium to select representatives for the regional event. The competition was sponsored by the Bradley County Chapter of the NAACP and 100 Black Men of Bradley County.
The two organizations have sent teams to the regional event in the past, but this was the first time a local event was held to determine team members.
Dr. Michael Laney was the moderator and director for the 100 Black Men. RaSharon King was the director for the NAACP chapter.
Amyia Brown, the daughter of Candice and Gregory Milligan, was judged the winner in the middle school category.
Taking second place was John “Jay J” Sarver, the son of Tarenia Sarver and Amy Bafford. In third place and an alternate for regional competition was Tyshawn Chapman, son of Ponzetta Williams.
Dominating the competition in the high school division was Mariana Edwards, daughter of Bowry Johnson and Mario Edwards.
Taking second place and earning a trip to the regional in Atlanta was Jackie Ilimbi, daughter of Yolanda Ilimbi.
A third competitor in the high school division was Jasmine Blair, daughter of Tony and Michelle Blair.
All of the competitors were required to read the book “The Negro in the Making of America,” where answers to the questions were found. Laney asked three rounds of 25 questions each, for 75 questions in each of the two categories. Some questions required answers, while others required only a true or false response.
Cynthia Humes assisted all of the competitors as a coach, prior to the competition.
Brown received $100, a ribbon and a certificate for her win in the middle school division. Sarver received $75, a ribbon and certificate, while Chapman was awarded $50, and a certificate.
Mariana Edwards was the recipient of $150, a ribbon and certificate for her high school victory. Jackie Ilimbi also received a ribbon and certificate, along with $100.
