The Verona Area School District will host the African American History Academic Challenge (AAHAC), staged by 100 Black Men of Madison, on Wednesday, March 29, 5:30 p.m., at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.
The AAHAC is an educational program designed to foster self-worth and the appreciation of the African American legacy and culture. It culminates each year with a contest in a single elimination, quiz show format where students are asked questions from a prominent African-American history book. Wednesday’s event will feature teams from Badger Ridge Middle School/Core Knowledge Charter School, Savanna Oaks Middle School, and Verona Area High School.
The AAHAC is a challenging and fun way for students to expand their knowledge of African American History in highly competitive local, regional and national competitions. The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. started the AAHAC in 1995 and the 100 Black Men of Madison has been staging the AAHAC in schools around Dane County for nearly 30 years. Any student is welcome to participate on an AAHAC team.
Winners of the VASD Junior Division (middle school) and Senior Division (high school) competitions will advance to the regional Dane County competition which will also be hosted at Verona Area High School on Wednesday, April 5.
Winners of the regional competition will participate in the National African American
History Academic Challenge in June in Las Vegas, Nevada. Madison-area schools representing the 100 Black Men of Madison have faired really well in the national competition winning seven times over the last 29 years.
Wednesday’s competition at Verona High School will feature a welcome from VASD Superintendent Dr. Tremayne Clardy and AAHAC team introductions by Dr. Floyd Rose of 100 Black Men of Madison, according to a press release from the Verona Area School District. Mr. Korbey White of the 100 Black Men of Madison, who is also a Verona Area School District Board of Education member, will emcee the event. Board of Education President Meredith Stier Christensen will serve as a judge for the day.
