As the deadline for entries in the Tarrus Riley Freedom Writers competition approaches, a number of entertainers and media practitioners have acknowledged their endorsement of the move to sensitise the younger generation to Black History.

TOK member and producer Roshaun 'Bay C' Clarke who produced Riley's Shaka Zulu Pickney single which became the soundtrack to the competition when it was launched last year, said he was proud to be among the judging panel for the entries in the competition this year.

"I think it is extremely admirable of Tarrus to initiate a competition like this and to know that it's coming from the Shaka Zulu Pickney record makes me particularly proud and humbled at the same time. Blak Soil and Bombrush Records both see the value in the youths of tomorrow and believe that a lot can be done by us as artistes to motivate and cultivate such a talent pool," said Clarke.

Reggae and dancehall artiste Bugle whose song Supremacy contained overtones about Black History and black consciousness, also threw in his support behind the Riley venture.

"I feel really good to know that Tarrus is doing something of this nature. This is something that I embrace 100 per cent because I honestly believe that Black history should be a part of the school curriculum. Others need to get involved in something like this," Bugle explained.

Broadcaster and dub poet Mutabaruka also supports the move by Riley.

Said Mutabaruka, "I want to commend Tarrus for his efforts in sensitising the youngsters about Black History. It is a good feeling knowing that we are in a position to bring out this kind of information. I just hope that corporate Jamaica will recognise the importance of Black History".

"It's an excellent move by Tarrus to encourage the youth and he's taking the interaction to a different level. We are not traditionally a writing country, so the move is helpful in many ways to assist our young people beyond entertainment," media personality Paula Ann Porter Jones offered.

The Freedom Writers competition seeks to unearth the creativity of teenagers and their knowledge about Black History. It was first held last year and based on the feedback, Riley decided to make it an annual event.

"Last year we had the competition and we got a lot of entries and most were quite impressive. We want to use this competition to create awareness about Black History", Riley explained.

The competition is being promoted in conjunction with radio station Irie FM and it is open to students between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. They are required to write a poem or essay no more than 200 words, and explain why Black History is important and relevant to them.

Entries must be creative, original and dynamic, and can be emailed to trileyfreedomwriter@iriefm.net. Entries can also be dropped off at Irie FM Kingston or Ocho Rios offices.

The deadline for entries is February 29.

First prize is an iPad and second prize is a book voucher valued at $20,000. There will also be consolation prizes.