Perplexed

Well as you know it, we are preparing for Black History Month. While sitting at my desk today at work I received an e-mail that I found interesting. The title read Essay contest. I immediately opened the attachment to find the details. As I read on, the essay requirements did not seem very difficult (for someone who enjoys writing). The requirements are that "all participants will write a four to five page paper on a topic dealing with this years African American Heritage Committee Theme: The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas" (as well as some minor details). I am eager to start this educational project, however I do not quite comprehend the subject matter. "The Quest for Black Citizenship", what does that mean? I guess literally one could say they were searching on ways to become black. Although I am pretty sure that is not the thesis I want to pursue for this contest. Perhaps it is referring to the civil rights journey traveled by black people. Their quest for citizenship could mean the same as their quest for equality. I thought that people who are born in the United States are United States citizens. Even if you did not receive the same civil rights, would you not still be a citizen? Or does citizenship come with rights? I am going to continue pondering my thesis for this essay. What do you think about this topic? Is it as perplexing as I say or is it really a simple topic that I am over analyzing (like I typically do).