GET YOUR STUDENTS EXCITED ABOUT HISTORY

The Amistad Commission is excited to offer three dynamic opportunities that will ignite students’ passion for history and sharpen their historical thinking skills! These engaging projects invite students to dive deep into the rich tapestry of African American and Afro-diasporic history, allowing them to conduct meaningful research and create impactful projects, National History Day (Grades 6-12), African American History Day (Grades 4-5), and Afro Latino Day (Grades 4-12). 
Check out the details below for more information—don’t miss out on these exciting chances to make history come alive!

National History Day Grades 6-12

The New Jersey Amistad Commission in partnership with National History Day

Every year, the nonprofit National History Day organization hosts a competition in which students in grades six through twelve (6–12) create original historical projects on topics of their choosing based on an annual theme. After thinking critically about a topic’s significance, students conduct extensive research and present their work in one of five categories: Exhibit, Performance, Documentary, Website, and Paper. Students enter their projects at local, state, and national levels, where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators. Students across the state have participated in this exciting event, presenting their research at regional, state, and national events. 

The Amistad Commission will fund a $1,000 stipend for one school year to any certified teacher under contract to a school district, to start a National History Day Group based on a theme related to African American or African diasporic history.

The funds will be used to compensate a teacher for time outside of contractual hours. The funds will be provided to your school district once all requirements are met. The stipend will be provided for one middle school teacher and/or one high school teacher in a school district.

If you are an interested teacher please complete this form linked.

The Amistad Commission will host a “How to start a National History Day” workshop for anyone interested.

Recent Participation Highlights:

  • Regional Contests (Rutgers–Camden, Monmouth, and St. Elizabeth):
    A total of 80 projects focused on African American and/or African diasporic history were submitted across the regional sites.

  • State Contest:
    Of those, 45 projects advanced to the state level.

  • National Contest:
    9 projects advanced to the National History Day contest, with 3 receiving national recognition either as high-ranking entries or recipients of special awards.

Special shout-out to teachers Theresa Maughan and Christy Marella and their students for their outstanding research, mentorship, and commitment to elevating African American and African diasporic history through National History Day.

African American History Day Contest Grades 4-5

African American History Day contest promotes the research of a notable African American with connections to New Jersey. This contest is designed specifically for students in fourth and fifth grades.

The purpose of this contest is to develop elementary students’ historical thinking skills as they connect to New Jersey’s African American History. Additionally, this will serve to prepare New Jersey’s elementary students for the National History Day Competitions while supporting educators in the implementation of the New Jersey Amistad Legislation through a creative avenue. Educators interested in participating will need to get board approval through your curriculum department during the current academic school year (2024-25). This will allow funding for materials, transportation, etc. to be budgeted for the (2025-26) school year.

Students can use one of the following formats to complete their projects: Exhibit Poster, Essay (Paper), and Performance (poetry, dance, singing, skit or play). Students will be permitted to enter as a solo participant or in groups of two to four maximum. Each student project will require a research paper of a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 300, listing all research, including interviews or other resources.

The contest will include presentations with students from across the state. There will be two regional locations, one for the northern and southern part of the state. TBD.

Teachers new to the African American History 4th and 5th grade contest can receive a stipend for their participation.

If you are an educator or administrator interested in participating please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/NNQHNQR9g4

If you have questions, email us at: Amistadsp@doe.nj.gov

Afro Latino History Day Contest 2025

The New Jersey Amistad Commission is introducing an event for students in grades 4-12, to demonstrate their academic skills in Social Studies and History. This contest will highlight African descendants of Hispanic and Latino Heritage.  This contest is designed specifically for students in fourth through twelfth grade and will be held on October 18th, 2025, at the Pleasantville Public School District.

The purpose of this contest is to develop students’ historical thinking skills and will serve to prepare New Jersey students for the National History Day Contest while engaging in the implementation of the New Jersey Amistad Legislation.

Students will conduct research and create projects that will highlight the contributions of Afro Hispanic/Latino to United States History. This contest will empower students to develop their skills in research, writing, public speaking and critical thinking skills and instill in them confidence and pride as they present their work to the larger New Jersey community. Additionally, the program will encourage educators to explore a new avenue to meet the mandate of the Amistad Legislation.

Students in grades 4-12 are eligible to participate.

If you are an educator or an administrator interested in participating, please email us at: Amistadsp@doe.nj.gov