Calling all New Jersey educators and students!
On behalf of The New Jersey Amistad Commission, we are excited to announce three incredible opportunities to showcase excellence in African American history and social studies for the 2025-2026 school year.
Whether you're a filmmaker in the making or an exemplary educator, we want to celebrate your work!
Landmark Video Contest
Middle and High School students: "Lights, Camera, Action!"
Create a 20-30 minute virtual tour documentary of a New Jersey African American Historical Landmark. Learn more
Prizes: 1st Place ($2,500), 2nd Place ($2,000), and 3rd Place ($1,500) for your school.
Deadline: June 1, 2026. Send submissions to Andrea.Bair@doe.nj.gov
Governor’s Exemplary Teacher Award
Recognizing K-12 teachers who go above and beyond in implementing the Amistad curriculum. Learn more
Award: Two winners (one K-8, one 9-12) will each receive $2,500, plus $2,500 for their school district.
Deadline: June 18, 2026. Submissions: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx...
William Payne Exemplary Administrator Award
Honoring school leaders who provide outstanding professional and technical support for the Amistad Law. Learn more
Award: One recipient's district will receive $1,500 to further the Amistad Mandate.
Deadline: June 18, 2026.
Winners will be publicly acknowledged at the Amistad Commission’s Summer Institute at Kean University on July 30, 2026.