/Stockton

Terry a O'neal, a poet based in Sacramento, California, has introduced Black History Bee, a contest similiar the to Spelling Bee, but which focuses on Black History. Recordnet reveals that O'Neal was compelled to launch this contest because children are not learning important facts about African American history in schools.

"Parents are working their butts off to keep a roof over their heads and I'm sure black history is probably one of the furthest things from their minds," O'Neal said. "I feel like we're losing it, that kids are losing out ... on our culture, our history."

"Through her nonprofit organization, Lend Your Hand, O'Neal is hoping to correct that, launching a Black History Bee, which debuts Feb. 11 at Stagg High School," writes Lori Gilbert of Recordnet.

O'Neal plans to spend all of February visiting schools in the Stockton and Sacramento areas to conduct the "spelling bee-like event".

Terry O'Neal is one of the poets who will read at Cosumnes River College on February 23 during a Black History Month poetry festival.

Record Article:

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090201/A_LIFE/902010309/-1/a_life