CT Schools Launching Contest To Change Racially Offensive Geographical Name

BRANFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork)-- Schools in Connecticut are launching an essay contest to rename an area of a Long Island Sound currently referred to as "Negro Heads."

The racially offensive name has been attached to a navigational buoy and underwater rock formation off the coast of Branford for a century.

Democratic state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. asked last year for state and federal help in changing the name, but officials requested a suggestion for a new name.

The contest will be open to all high school students who live in Branford.

The author of the winning essay on what the area ought to be named and why will receive a $500 scholarship from the Branford Community Foundation.

The winner will be chosen by residents and announced by the end of the school year.

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