Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond is sponsoring a Black History Month essay contest for middle and high school students living in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.

The essay topic: “What Black History Month Means to Me.”

Rep. McEachin wants young people to think about the con- tributions by African-American men and women to the nation and what the month means.

Essays for middle school students must be between 350 and 500 words, while high school students should submit essays between 500 and 750 words, to VA04.Projects@mail.house.gov.

The deadline for submission is Thursday, Feb. 6.

Winners will be notified individually, followed by an an- nouncement on Rep. McEachin’s social media in February.

The district includes all parts of the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Emporia, Chesapeake and Suffolk and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Charles City, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Sussex, Surry and Southampton.

Details: www.mceachin.house.gov or (202) 225-6365.