How about a labor history prize for National History Day in Kentucky?

By BERRY CRAIG

Alliance for Retired Americans

I often get interesting emails from Bill Barry, a veteran union activist and labor historian who lives in Baltimore.

The most recent one especially grabbed my attention--okay, I taught history at West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah for two dozen years. 

In his cyber message, Bill proposed "a small way to promote it for the next generation--a Labor History Prize  for History Day."

National History Day is observed in all 50 states. Sponsored by the Kentucky Historical Society, it is set for April 27 in Kentucky this year.

"National History Day in Kentucky (NHDKY) is an annual learning competition for students in grades 4-12," says the National History Day in Kentucky website. "Driven by curiosity, imagination, and innovation, NHDKY empowers students to express themselves through a historical topic they are passionate about.  This hands-on experience focuses on the autonomy and creativity of each student as they research a topic of their choice, interpret its relevancy to our lives today, and display what they learned through a variety of platforms.  The judging portion of the competition gives students the opportunity to serve as advocates of their work, which offers real-world experience in building confidence and conviction.  Each year, KHS creates a coalition of judges across the state to be ambassadors of history in this rewarding student experience that benefits all, inside and outside the classroom."

He explained: "Every year, students in every state create projects for the state History Day, which is held usually in May. Corporations and politicians offer special prizes to encourage the participants to pick a favorable topic, and to tilt how 'history' is understood."

Bill said in Maryland, the labor movement did some history straightening by creating Labor History prize. The result, he added, has been "some fabulous working-class history projects, with a focus by teachers and students on our history. We offer two $250 prizes--one for middle school and one for senior high--and raise the money by donations."

So what about other states, including Kentucky, he asked.

"In your state, check with the Humanities Council to see when History Day is held and how to create a Labor History prize. The goal is 50 states and making our history a topic among young students. We need to be a movement that is proud of our history."

What do you think? Email me at bcraig8960@gmail.com