February 16th, 2022 by WCBC Radio
A team of Frostburg State University students tied for second place in the First Annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Knowledge Bowl on Feb. 12, along with students from Howard University and Hampton University. The three schools participated in a friendly battle of wits, showing their knowledge of Black history, science, literature, religion, the arts and popular culture.
FSU students Aaron Mickens, Trekia Perkins and Reggie Morton represented FSU in the event. McKenna Booker, program management specialist for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, coached the team, which finished tied for second with Howard University. Hampton University finished in first place and claimed the top prize money to support their continued education. FSU and Howard University students also received monetary awards for their participation.
The competition was designed for college-level students with the purpose of increasing and enhancing awareness of Black history and the people who shaped the history of the United States from the time the first Africans disembarked in Port Comfort, Va., more than 403 years ago.
“I had a great time organizing and preparing the team of Bobcats for the Bowl,” said Booker. “The experience built even more confidence in the already sharp students on the team. As the coordinator of Black history month events on campus, I am proud to be giving the campus community a foundation for learning more about Black history from various points of view.”
"The entire team performance was outstanding,” said Dr. Artie Travis, vice president for Student Affairs at FSU. “Our students were extremely happy and relieved their hard work paid off, and they made a great showing.”
The virtual event was presented by the Edna McKenzie Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in honor of Black History Month. The knowledge bowl was the creation of Ronald B. Saunders, president of the Edna B. McKenzie Branch of ASALH.
The mission of ASALH is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.
