I am happy to share that my essay, Out of Many, One People: The Origins of Jamaican Ancestry, was awarded Fifth Place in the nonfiction essay category of the Writer’s Digest 94th Annual Writing Competition (2025).
This prestigious, international competition drew over 3,800 entries from 45 countries. I am deeply honored that Writer’s Digest recognized my work among so many powerful voices and stories.
My entry evolved from the longest chapter in my debut book, Jamaican Genealogy Research: A Practical Guide to the Best Resources for Tracing Your Ancestry.
The essay explores the significance of Jamaica’s national motto, “Out of Many, One People.” My writing wove together the historical foundation of the motto, my personal reflections and insights, and a meditation on identity and belonging.
Excerpt:
“The story of Jamaica’s ancestry is of Africa, Great Britain, and Ireland; mainland Europe, Scandinavia, and the Iberian Peninsula; the Caribbean islands and the Americas; Australia, Asia, and the Middle East; and the forces that brought the people together. The convergence of these groups—voluntary and involuntary—shaped a unique multicultural national identity. The framers of Jamaica’s independence from Britain in 1962 embedded this legacy in the nation’s motto: “Out of Many, One People.”
This Writer’s Digest recognition is particularly meaningful to me because my essay highlights two of my passions—Jamaican history and heritage and storytelling. It affirms the importance of remembering, documenting, and celebrating our shared histories.
I will share more about this journey and more of my work in the months ahead. For now, I want to thank my community of readers, fellow writers, researchers, and storytellers who continue to inspire me.
Consider joining my email list to stay tuned for other writings and helpful resources.
I also invite you to share your own experience with writing competitions in the comments.