Law firm Conyers has launched an essay competition in honour of Black History Month, which is celebrated annually in February.

The firm invites middle and senior school students, grades 8-11, to submit an essay of 1,500 words discussing the contribution a black heroine or hero has made to the Bermuda legal system.

Neil Henderson, a director at Conyers, said: “Conyers is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion both within our own firm and in the legal profession more broadly. We aim to ensure that young people from all backgrounds are encouraged and supported to succeed in a legal career in Bermuda.”

He added: “We hope that this essay competition may inspire some young Bermudians to learn from the heroines and heroes of the past and believe in their own ability to shape Bermuda’s legal system for the better in years to come.”

The deadline for entries is 5pm on February 19.

A panel of judges will review the essays and select winners.

The winner of the competition will be awarded a prize of $1,000. The second place winner and an honourable mention will each receive $500.

Full details, including competition rules, can be found at www.conyers.com/essay