District of Columbia Housing Authority

02/09/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/10/2026 15:03

‘Do The Write Thing...

'Do The Write Thing' Essay Contest is Open for Submissions!

February 9, 2026 7:27 AM

The District of Columbia Housing Authority's annual "Do the Write Thing" essay contest is open for submissions. DCHA residents who are ages 11-18 are invited to submit essays exploring this year's theme: "Black History and Love + Community."

Contestants can choose from the following topics:

  • Love is Power: How acts of love can reduce violence in my community.

  • Lessons From Black History: How past leaders used love to create change.

  • Choosing Peace: What love looks like when we choose peace over violence.

  • Loving Myself is a Revolutionary Act: Why self-love matters.

First place will receive $100, second place $75, third place $50, and any honorable mentions will receive $25.

To enter, participants must:

  • Be a DCHA youth resident between 11 and 18 years old.

  • Submit a typed, double-spaced essay in 12-point font (250-500 words).

  • Submit only one original essay. AI-generated or plagiarized submissions will be disqualified.

  • Include your name, property, and age with the submission.

Winners will be announced in June.

The deadline to submit to this contest is Friday, March 13. Youth can submit their essays through this form.

Last Updated on February 9, 2026

District of Columbia Housing Authority published this content on February 09, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 10, 2026 at 21:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]