We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Waterloo Collegiate Institute (WCI) student Emma Cohen for receiving the top scholarship award of $5,000 by RBC for their 2015 Black History Month Student Essay.

Emma is a strong social justice advocate with a passion for writing, politics and social justice issues. Making a difference and learning as much as she can about the world around her motivates her to be an informed citizen, something she believes every youth her age should embrace. She is an active member of the WCI student council, FedProv team, and committed to the development of her online magazine ‘Plasma Dolphin‘ which she co-founded with a friend.

The inspiration for her RBC essay entry came from taking an American history course and needing to complete a novel study on “The Book of Negroes.” She enjoyed learning about African American and Canadian history and their rights that it sparked her interest to enter the contest. The essay she submitted was about a pair of storytellers, a slave in the 1800s who escaped to Canada and an author, generations apart, who made a lasting mark on society and inspired her to be the best she can be.

Hoping to have a career in writing, and attend university next to study creative writing, the prize money will help her focus on her studies and achieve her dream.

To see a complete list of winners, please visit the RBC newsroom.

 

Award winner, Emma Cohen, standing in front of the poster with her essay.

Award winner, Emma Cohen, standing in front of the poster with her essay. The event took place at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto where she had the opportunity to meet many influential and inspiring people celebrating Black History Month.

 

Photo courtesy of: RBC. Emma with John Tory, the Mayor of Toronto.

Photo courtesy of: RBC. Emma with John Tory, the Mayor of Toronto.