Black History Month essays due December 17. Three scholarships available

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Some of the most important moments in Canadian history don't always get talked about in the classroom. Yet students can earn scholarships for sharing their knowledge on the important role black Canadians have made to our diverse heritage.

The RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition offers students entering a Canadian university or college in the 2013/14 academic year the chance to be awarded one of three scholarships for their essay on how black Canadians have helped to define Canada's diverse heritage and identity through their achievements and contributions to the broader society.

"It's so important for our youth to understand, and celebrate our history," says Justice Irving Andre, Judge on the Ontario Provincial Court of Justice, who will help form a panel that chooses the top essays.  "Researching and writing an essay is a great way to gain insight into the experiences of our forefathers and the vital role they played in building this country."

Other esteemed panelists include:

• Dwight Drummond, CBC Broadcaster
• Mitzie Hunter, CEO Civic Action
• Inspector Rohan Thompson, OPP and Aide De Camp to Lt. Gov David Onley
• Professor Juliet Daniel, McMaster University
• Audrey Campbell, President, Jamaican Canadian Association

"Black History Month is an extremely important part of celebrating our diversity - something we really value at RBC." says Jennifer Tory, RBC Regional President for Greater Toronto. "This essay competition gives us an opportunity to celebrate both our past and our future."

Essays should be 750 words or less, and must be submitted by December 17, 2012.  Full competition details can be found at www.rbc.com/essay

Winners will be celebrated during Black History Month 2013, when all Canadians are invited to participate in festivities and events that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. We are Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and are among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and investor services on a global basis. We employ approximately 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 15 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 51 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.

SOURCE: RBC Royal Bank - Public Affairs & Community Relations

Mark Hamill
Director, Communications, RBC
416.974.3900
[email protected]