The importance of Black History Month is to be highlighted as part of an essay-writing competition for schoolchildren organised by a law firm.

Conyers has asked middle and senior school pupils in from Grade 8 to 12 to submit essays on the significance of the event to the country.

Chiara Nannini, a director at Conyers, said: “Conyers is committed to fostering and encouraging a plurality of voices and experiences.

“The theme of this year’s essay to honour Black History Month hopes to inspire students to think about how diversity and inclusion is represented in our community.”

Submissions should be a maximum of 1,500 words and the deadline for entries is February 21 at 5pm.

The winner will win $1,000 and there are prizes of $500 each for second place and honourable mention.

Only one essay per pupil is allowed and the writers must be the sole author.

All works must be original, unpublished and cite references where applicable.

For more information, visit www.conyers.com/essay.