Students from the first through 12th grades and young adults are asked to participate in an essay contest about the life of the Rev. Maurice McCrackin.

        The essays will be a part of the annual “Mac Day” recognition, set for noon-6 p.m. June 8 in Laurel Park in the West End.

        There are several topics to chose from, such as: Who was the Rev. Maurice McCrackin?, If the Rev. McCrackin were here now, what would he do in light of the racial justice disputes? How did the Rev. McCrackin seek peace and how can I seek peace? Would the Rev. McCrackin support the boycott?

        The essays differ in length, based on grade levels. For 18-year-olds and above, the length is 1,500-plus words. For 10th through 12th grades, 950 to 2,000 words, 7th through 9th grades, 600 to 1,000 words, 4th through 6th grades, 250 to 450 words, and 1st through 3rd grades, 100 to 250 words.

        Deadline for submitting the essays is June 3. They may be mailed to St. Joseph Catholic Church c/o Mac Day, 745 Ezzard Charles Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45203.

        The Rev. Mr. McCrackin died in December, 1997 at age 97.

        He left a legacy of protest against war and taxes. He marched for civil rights, the homeless, and prisoners' rights, and against the death penalty and nuclear waste.

        This is a great opportunity for students and young adults to delve into the life of a legend, right here in our midst.

        He was not disobedient to his conscience. Very well-educated, he was the common man's hero. He lived in an apartment in the West End, among the downtrodden, hungry and homeless.

        He did not have a disdain for authority, only when it presented itself as a shield for injustice.

        He gave his mind and body to a cause, even going on hunger strikes many times to the detriment of his health.

        He represents a piece of civil rights history every student should know.

        Jovial jugglers, animated puppeteers, festive folk singers and musicians and magicians — sounds like a circus, eh? Not really. It is the lineup of activities planned for National Library Week, April 14-20.

        It is sponsored by the American Library Association to observe contributions libraries across across the nation make to literacy and learning.

        Michael Parent, a nationally renowned storyteller, musician and singer who draws upon his Franco-American heritage, will perform stories and songs in both French and English during Library week at the Main Library, and branches in Avondale, Green Township, Harrison, Loveland, Mariemont and Northside.

        April 16,17, storyteller Angela Lloyd will be at branches in Anderson, Elmwood Place, Forest Park, Groesbeck, Madisonville and Norwood.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.
       

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