2024 Bill of Rights Day

Images: Reverend James Edwards at the unveiling of the Edwards v. SC historical marker in 2021, Benedict College; and Evansville Press, February 27, 1963.

In 1961, 187 Black students walked to the South  Carolina State House to protest racial  discrimination.  Hundreds of onlookers gathered  as the students “peaceably expressed their  grievances” and “sang patriotic and religious songs.”  Although the protestors were not violent and did not threaten violence, the police ordered them to disperse and arrested the students for breaching the peace.  The Supreme Court reversed the students’ convictions, explaining that the  Constitution “does not permit a State to make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views.”  Edwards v. South Carolina, 372 U.S. 229, 237 (1963).

In Edwards v. South Carolina, the Supreme Court held in 1963 that the Constitution “does not permit a State to make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views.” How would you address the right to assemble peaceably through video or art?

Consider one or more of these questions in preparing your submission:

  • How is the First Amendment right to assemble peaceably relevant today?
  • How does the First Amendment right to assemble peaceably empower individuals and further our democratic principles?
  • How has the First Amendment right to assemble peaceably contributed to social and political movements?
  • What are the limits on the right to assemble in the United States?

Who May Enter

Students in grades 6 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.  Students may submit one entry only as an individual or as part of a group of up to five students in the same category (grades 6-8 or grades 9-12).

Students submitting a group entry must identify a primary point of contact for contest communications and receipt of any prize amounts.

Note: Prior winners of any Fourth Circuit-sponsored contest as well as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and members of the household of a federal judge or federal judiciary employee may not participate in the competition. 

Submission Deadline

Your entry form and art/video file must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024. Scroll down to the find the link to complete your entry form and submit your art/video. Entries must be uploaded to the Fourth Circuit’s Box account as a document, file, or photo.

Judging

  • Understanding of constitutional principles (35 points)
    Demonstrates a clear understanding of the right to assemble peaceably.
  • Originality and creativity (25 points)
    Unique and creative interpretation of the assignment, with significant attention to detail.
  • Visual impact and engagement (20 points)
    The content and execution creates a striking and memorable work that engages viewers.
  • Craftsmanship or production value (10 points)
    Demonstrates a mastery of skill in the chosen medium.
  • Respect of copyright rules and creative use of original work
    (10 points)      When appropriate, sources are properly credited.
Student segregation protest on the grounds of the SC State
House, March 2, 1961. Copyright University of South Carolina MIRC.
  Grades 6-8
 Grades 9-12
First Place:
 $250 $1,000
Second Place:
$175
 $750
Third Place:
 $100 $500

Submission Details

  • One submission per participant/group.  Original video (30 seconds to two minutes long), song, poem, or work of visual art (two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of fine, graphic, and applied art).
  • Entries must be submitted as a document, file, or photo (no links will be accepted). 
  • Submissions must include: 
    • Artist’s statement: a 100-word (grades 6-8) or 200-word (grades 9-12) statement addressing the prompt. 
    • Process statement: (no minimum word count) explaining the process for creating the content, including a list of any programs used or source material referenced. 
  • Certification using the entry form that the submission is the student’s or group’s original work. The use of artificial intelligence to generate content will result in disqualification.

Virtual Event and Courthouse Display

Winners will be announced the first week of December. A virtual event will be held to celebrate the contest winners.

The Fourth Circuit will display electronic or printed copies of the winning submissions and artist statements in the courthouse. The winning submissions also will be displayed on the Courts4Civics website.

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Contest Flyer

Questions

Contact civics@ca4.uscourts.gov or call 703-518-8180