Atlanta Students Compete in Annual Black History Bowl

Atlanta Public Schools students showcase their knowledge of local and national Black history at the annual competition.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Students from Atlanta Public Schools' high schools and middle schools competed in the annual Black History Bowl on Friday, showcasing their knowledge of Black history topics ranging from the NAACP and the civil rights movement to influential figures like Marcus Garvey. The event, organized by the district's secondary social studies coordinator, featured a special appearance by Atlanta Falcons legend Jerious Norwood, who encouraged the students to work collaboratively and express themselves. The goal of the competition goes beyond just memorizing facts, as the district aims to promote deeper learning, understanding, and connection to the African diaspora.

Why it matters

The Black History Bowl highlights the importance of teaching and celebrating Black history in Atlanta's public schools. By engaging students in this annual competition, the district is fostering a greater appreciation for the contributions and experiences of the Black community, both locally and nationally.

The details

The Black History Bowl featured teams from eight high schools and five middle schools in Atlanta. The students were quizzed on a wide range of Black history topics that they had been preparing for months. The competition took place at the Mary McLeod Bethune Building, and the winning teams from Therrell High School and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School each took home a trophy.

  • The Black History Bowl took place on Friday, February 16, 2026.
  • The students had been preparing for the competition for several months prior to the event.

The players

Renniah Gay

An APS secondary social studies coordinator who oversees the Black History Bowl.

Namir Gaskin

A junior at Best Academy who participated in the competition and expressed a desire to learn more about Black history.

Jerious Norwood

A former Atlanta Falcons running back who made a special appearance at the event to encourage the students.

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What they’re saying

“We provide the questions to the teachers and their teams months ahead. They really get together, work at the local level at their schools, and actually participate, actually do the debate, and review the questions.”

— Renniah Gay, APS secondary social studies coordinator (cbsnews.com)

“My favorite topic to study is the NAACP, the history of the 1960's and 1970's, Marcus Garvey, and all these influential figures.”

— Namir Gaskin, Junior, Best Academy (cbsnews.com)

“Each and every kid has the opportunity to express themselves in a group form. You will have people in the group that do not agree, and you will have people who do agree, so it's a way to work out hiccups and individuals in a group aspect.”

— Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons Legend (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Black History Bowl is an annual event, so the next competition will take place in 2027. The district will continue to provide the questions to the participating schools months in advance, allowing the students to thoroughly prepare and deepen their understanding of Black history.

The takeaway

The Black History Bowl demonstrates Atlanta Public Schools' commitment to celebrating and educating students about the rich history and contributions of the Black community. By engaging students in this collaborative competition, the district is fostering a greater appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and the importance of understanding one's cultural heritage.