mlk jr essay contest

STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

The Martin Luther King Jr., Holiday Committee of Washington, DC in partnership with the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association and our Community Partners have joined together to sponsor The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Essay Contest.

Presented by: Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association

View essay contest rules and submission instructions below before getting started. ALL students must UPLOAD their essays via a .WORD DOC or a .PDF

Essay Topic

“ Bending Toward Truth and Justice “

Elementary School Essay Prompt:

Identify two problems in your neighborhood or community and what would you do to solve those problems.

Middle School and High School Essay Prompt

What solutions would you offer to bring peace to our city? What would be the role of young people in your solutions?

Word Requirements:

Elementary 4th-5th | 250-500 words Middle 6th-8th | 500-700 words High School 9th-12th | 700-1,000 words

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 at 11:00 PM

Email Questions and Concerns ONLY to: [email protected]

ESSAY WRITING SUPPORT!

The 5 Step Essay Writing Process That Will Help You Write Better Papers

Step 1: Determine your purpose for writing the paper. …
Step 2: Write down everything and anything about your topic. …
Step 3: Organize your thoughts. …
Step 4: Start writing, then take a step back. …
Step 5: Grade your own paper.

Essay Topic Support Videos & Essay Writing Assistance Links

High School Writing Link – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2024-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—HS
Middle School Writing Link – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2024-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—MS
Elementary School Writing Link – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2024-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—elem

Essay Contest Rules and Submission Instructions

Contestants must be a DC Resident and a student attending a Public School, Charter School or Private/Parochial School.

Essay Contest word count submissions for each contestant group will be:

Elementary School Students Grades 4 and 5 a minimum of 250 and a maximum of 500 words
Middle School Students Grades 6, 7 and 8 a minimum of 500 and a maximum of 700 words
High School Students Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 a minimum of 700 and a maximum of 1,000 words
Submissions must be original work that has been produced or created by the contestant.
We ask that all contestants include their name, school, grade and e-mail address (if you have one) with your essay submission.
All essay contest winners will be requested to provide a short biography and a picture that could be published with your essay in local newspapers, on the internet on the DC MLK, Mayor’s Youth Leadership Alumni Association and some of our partnering organizations websites, publications, and television shows. Winning contestants will be required to sign a Media Release Form. Contest Winners that are 17 years and younger must have the parent/guardian(s) sign the Media Release Form.
All essay submissions must be received by December 16, 2023 , 11:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Contestants can submit only one essay entry.
Submissions must be relevant to the essay topic as mentioned above. Essays will be judged upon their clarity, relevance to the topic submitted, organization, sentence structure, grammar, mechanics and spelling.
Contest finalists will be notified by email.
Contest winners will be announced.
Contest winners schools will be notified as well.
1st Place Elementary, Middle School, High School Divisions -$300 dollars
2nd Place Elementary, Middle School, High School Divisions -$200 dollars
3rd Place Elementary, Middle School, High School Divisions- $100 dollars
Prizes will be awarded through check or money/pay cards.
Essay Contest entrants who do not have access to the internet or an understanding of how to submit their essay on-line are encouraged to get assistance from a parent/guardian, family member, teacher or school administrator to submit their essay on-line.
Handwritten essays should be scanned to a file and submitted on-line.
In the event that a student has no means to submit the essay on-line they should call Norman Nixon on (202) 236-6904.

Essay Contest Submission Instructions

Go to the MLK Holiday DC website at https://mlkholidaydc.org and click on the Get Involved link and scroll down to the MLK Student Essay information page and click on the Get Started link to fill out the contest application and submit your essay.
Essays can be typed into the essay submission portal or uploaded through the attachment link provided.
The MLK Holiday DC Committee or the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association (MYLIAA) are not responsible for connectivity issues or unexpected site outages that my prevent participants from submitting essays for consideration before the deadline. We consistently maintain the site in order to have it available and operational at all times. However, it is recommended that contest submissions are not left to the last minute in case of unexpected technical difficulties with the site.
In order to be considered, all essays must be submitted by December 16th, 2023 – 11:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST).
If you have any additional questions, please submit them to: [email protected]

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee

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Black News, Commentary and Culture | The Washington Informer

Winners of the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

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The MLK Holiday DC Committee, in partnership with the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association and community partners, presents the winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest 2023. Over 100 D.C. elementary, middle and high school students wrote essays addressing: What does Dr. King’s “Dream” mean to you? And the winners are…

What the “I Have A Dream” Speech Means to Me

Thane Frederick

Breakthrough Montessori PCS, 5th Grade, Ward 4 Resident

When I think of the “I Have A Dream” speech, I think of a wish, or a hope that things will get better. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” Later, King goes on to talk about how Black men and women are still not free.

I think when MLK said, “I have a dream,” it meant that he wanted everyone to take the final step. They took the first step to end slavery. He wants people to take the final step to end segregation and to end unfair laws for Black men and women.

The “I Have a Dream” Speech means to me that Black men and women have a wish that they can be free; a wish that they won’t just be free but will be free of unfair laws. When MLK made his speech about unfair laws, things were different. Black men and women were separated from white men and women and had different schools, neighborhoods, stores, and restrooms. One of the really bad things was that the stuff for the Black men and women was not nearly as good or fancy as the stuff that was for the white men and women.

From my personal experience, I never had this problem. First because those laws have been mostly resolved, and second because even if those laws had not been dealt with by now, I would not have had to deal with it because of my skin color. I would not have a complete perspective of the other side of the page.

Something that would make King happy right now is that, he said, “I have dream that Black boys and black girls will play with white boys and white girls,” and in my life that part of his dream has been fulfilled. In my school, I have a very diverse class with a lot of Black and white kids that play together.

Even though all of this has been said, we still have more to work on, like the fact that Black and white people are sometimes paid differently, even if they’re doing the exact same job, or the fact that Black people get shot more than white people.

We can use MLK as inspiration to keep going. We shouldn’t just stop here. You and I can make a difference by going to peaceful protests, or just being nice in general.

Nathan Goulbourne Williams

Brookland Middle School, 6th Grade, Ward 7 Resident

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech of August 28, 1963, is one of the most well-known and impactful pieces of American history. In it, he outlines his vision of an America in which all individuals are judged not by the color of their skin but instead by the content of their character. He outlines a new America in which the civil rights of all races and genders are respected and upheld, and his iconic closing words encapsulate his dream: “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

The dream has not changed from its original 1963 conception — that is, a nation in which all people are truly equal in the eyes of not just the law, but also in the eyes of society. This goes beyond simply legal equality, as unfortunately there are still many instances in which racial prejudice persists and will continue until tangible action is taken to stop it.

“The Dream” then was a call to action to fight systemic racism and economic injustice, while the Dream now is focused on dismantling oppressive systems and achieving equity and inclusion. We have seen progress since 1963 with more people of color, particularly Black people, gaining access to higher education and socioeconomic opportunities. At the same time, we have yet to fully realize “The Dream.” Racism and racial discrimination continue to threaten the ideals of equality, equity, inclusion, and justice for all. The recent civil unrest across the country due to police brutality has exposed the reality that “The Dream “still has many miles to go before it is realized.

Achieving this dream, however, is not an easy feat and will take the collective social and political efforts of individuals from all levels of society. It requires us to confront our biased notions of those different from us and have meaningful conversations rooted in trust and understanding. It requires us to challenge injustice when we see it being committed by someone within or outside of our community, and to create an environment of true respect and appreciation for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or creed. It is through these efforts that we move even closer to realizing the dream envisioned by Martin Luther King Jr.

In addition to acting individually, we must also act collectively and strive to support those

in government, companies, or other organizations that are actively making an effort to bring about a more equal and just America. This may include but is not limited to supporting legislation to end police brutality, working together to close the widening wealth gap, and ensuring that access to quality education and healthcare is made available to all people. Each of these steps can go a long way in helping to ensure that the dream Martin Luther King spoke of is achieved and less discrimination against races Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American leader in the U.S.

He [Dr. King] lost his life while performing a peaceful protest for the betterment of Blacks in America. His real name was Michael King Jr. He was among one of the great men who dedicated their life for the community.

Ultimately, there is still much more work to be done to fulfill the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. shared in 1963. And for us to reach a place of safety and acceptance for all our citizens, it is essential that we continue to push for change that is rooted in justice and equality for all.

Those of us who have the power to make an impact must use it to help bring about a future in which every person is respected and appreciated for the content of their character and treated equally. Only then can we live in a world where the King’s dream is fully realized. Therefore, we have many more things to understand, and we all have different opinions on things, but this should not be a problem although black people are not the only race that has been discriminated against and not paid well.

Justice Turner

Landon School 11th Grade, Ward 4 Resident

Have you ever desired something so profoundly, that you attempted to do the impossible to achieve your aspiration? If so, you can relate to the legendary, noble and renowned Martin Luther King Jr., who is embedded in our history.

Martin Luther King had one primary “Dream” in life, which was to eradicate all forms of discrimination, and oppression against African Americans and other minorities. To fight racism, King led a successful non-violent movement against an entire system ruled by a long history of oppression and intimidation. What Martin Luther King did was unimaginable, because most people who opposed racism were too afraid to fight. They witnessed lynchings, beatings, and other horrors of the times committed against African Americans and chose to stay quiet, but not King. King’s achievements made him one of the most well-respected African Americans in history.

As a young leader, the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about in 1963 continues to be a source of inspiration for me. To me, the dream represents the idea that all people, regardless of their race or background, should be treated with respect, dignity, and equality. It means that everyone should have the opportunity to live a full and prosperous life, free from discrimination and prejudice.

Thanks to King and a few other brave freedom fighters, over time there has been the increasingly better treatment of minorities, especially African Americans. Although we have seen improvements, the problems of the day revolve around racial profiling, police brutality, marginalization, and continuing unjust treatment of African Americans. Both African Americans and White Americans are equally responsible for ending this problem. We, as African Americans are going to have to do a better job to get rid of negative stigmas about our race by working better as a community. This is going to include stopping all the black-on-black violence, gun violence, and all irresponsible behaviors. We must do just as MLK did, to fight injustice with non-violent wisdom.

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was an American Baptist minister and civil rights activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs.

MLK was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, and was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday. Martin Luther King Jr. was important because he was a leader in the civil rights movement, which sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States. Through his leadership, activism, and inspiring message of nonviolence, he helped to bring about major changes in the laws and attitudes of American society.

MLK’s advocacy for civil rights and social justice inspired people around the world and he is widely considered one of the greatest figures in American history. Muhammed Gandhi was Martin Luther Kings inspiration for doing unimaginable things he did. They both shared the same concept of non-violence, which was revolutionary, because of how it changed the way white people looked at African Americans. Martin Luther King looked up to Mr. Gandhi as a source of inspiration to better his methods of nonviolence and share similar ideologies (Stanford University).

Even though Gandhi had an entirely different situation than MLK, they both used the same tactics to achieve a similar end goal. With this new concept of nonviolence emerged a brand-new type of protesting. The peaceful protest was the epicenter of how African Americans were able to express their inner beliefs and thoughts on the discrimination drawback (“Repression of Peaceful Protest”).

Regarding my viewpoint on the subject, essentially, I agree with all of MLK’s philosophies and beliefs. When I hear the word dream, I think of someone’s desire to achieve something in the distant future. However, these dreams could all be attainable if one puts their mind to them, and work hard for whatever it is that they desire.

Me, I have many dreams that I desire to accomplish by the end of my life, and reflecting on King’s fight, makes me know that my dreams are attainable as well. Me being a youth leader automatically gives me the responsibility to go above and beyond in my community. When looking at the MLK Jr. “I have a Dream” speech on YouTube, shows the immense support MLK had when delivering his speech (SullenToys.com).

MLK had a huge following of people, because of how powerful of a person he was. When I look back, I simply wonder if MLK could have accomplished his “dream” without the immense support of everyone that put their lives on the line to help him. People were constantly at risk of going to peaceful protests with groups like the KKK lurking at every corner (History.com Editors). It really shows the unity that was involved in this “dream” making it not MLK’s “dream” but rather our “dream.” Looking at King’s support, makes me realize that I am not in this fight alone. I must use those around me. “Two heads are better than One!”

MLK’s dream was a motivating factor for every African American citizen to help end this racial injustice that was present in all of America. King broke barriers so we would not have to break them again.

To me, the dream is a representation of all Black people and our aspiration for a better tomorrow. The overall philosophy of our dream has not changed much since the 1900s. We still desire equality!

The present-day dream of equality needs to be focused on racial profiling that is present in the United States, which leads to hate crimes against minority groups. A prime example in recent times was the killing of George Floyd, which was seen as police brutality against African Americans. The New York Times talks about how George passed away because an officer kneeled on his neck. This is merely one of the many examples of present-day racism.

There are also several issues that are hindering the victory of the dream. One of these is the ongoing problem of systemic racism, which affects many aspects of society and can be difficult to address. Additionally, there are those who oppose the idea of the dream and seek to maintain the status quo of inequality and discrimination. It is important for those of us who support the dream to stand up against these forces and work towards creating a more just and equal society.

To conclude, the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about in 1963 remains a powerful and inspiring vision for a better world. While there has been progress toward achieving it, there is still much work to be done. By taking action to address issues of inequality and injustice and working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, we can continue to move closer to realizing the dream for all people. This means taking action to address issues such as racial and social injustice, economic inequality, and prejudice against marginalized groups. It also means educating ourselves and others about these issues and advocating for change in our communities to attain the dream, we must continue to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Specifically related to me, I still believe there is much work that needs to be done present day, to create a better tomorrow. Specifically, we as African Americans need to create a better image of ourselves rather than sit and complain when we are being discriminated against. Unfortunately, over the years some of us have painted ourselves in a way that doesn’t represent Martin Luther King’s dream.

Personally, my “dream” is to walk down the street without being seen as a “threat” to others because of the color of my skin. Fortunately for us, we have today and tomorrow to change this identity. We must not sit back and wait for a leader. We must realize that WE are that leader. I must be the one to create change! I must be the Dream!

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New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission

Essay Contest NJ MLK Commemorative Commission 2023 ' Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere ' Scholarship Essay Contest

Mlk23 scholarship contest is closed..

SEMIFINALISTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL WHEN AND WHERE TO SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS & LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN MAY. CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST.

The NJ MLK Commemorative Commission's 2023 Scholarship Essay Contest is open to NJ residents in Grade 12.

Due Date: 5 PM, Friday, February 24, 2023

Note funds must be disbursed directly to the school by June 24, 2023.

**To apply for scholarship, complete online application below**

REQUIRED ESSAYS:

The New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission is proud to offer 10 scholarships to current high school seniors who are New Jersey residents in the amount of $5,000 per student. The scholarships will be awarded based on review of application by the independent reviewers appointed by the Commission. The online application includes three (3) essays on assigned topics. NOTE: Applicants selected for the final review will be required to email 2 school and community service reference letters and official high school transcript.

Applicants must respond to the following three essay questions:

How does the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspire you as you think about your future? (100to 300 words)
Please tell us about your service to others during your high school years. (100 to 300 words)
The Gandhian Society recently opened the Eternal Gandhi Peace Center in Atlantic City, NewJersey. In your own words, how do you think Mahatma Gandhi influenced Dr. Martin Luther KingJr.? (100 to 300 words)

After initial screening, applicants who are selected to continue will be asked to email the Commission:

Two (2) letters of reference from teachers, advisers, clergy and/or representatives of community-based service programs.
Official High School Transcript from 11th Grade.

Failure to provide any of the required elements may disqualify the application.

Submit an Essay

* Required.

Applicant Information

Advisor/adult contact information:, essay questions.

Applicants must answer all three (3) essay questions. ( Write essay in word processing program and copy and paste finished essay into field )

How does the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspire you as you think about your future? *

Altanta History Center

History Channel

New Jerseyans Reflect on the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in commemoration of his 90th Birthday

NJ Quotes on MLK

MLK Celebration Sacramento

Congratulations to the 2022 MLK Essay Contest Winners.

We are very pleased to announce the winners of the 9th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest in conjunction with the MLK Celebration event. The essay contest was created to further engage our youth with Dr. King's legacy, his vision, and leadership that inspired a nation. High School 1st Place - Lex Truong , Franklin High School (Elk Grove Unified School District) 2nd Place - Aleeze Ali , Cosumnes Oaks High School (Elk Grove Unified School District) 3rd Place - Jasmyn James , Capital Christian High School (Private)

Middle School 1st Place - Eddie Torres , California Middle School (Sacramento City Unified School District) 2nd Place - Kate Hwang , Brookfield School (Private) 3rd Place - Addie Luong , Folsom Middle School (Folsom Cordova Unified School District)

High School Division Lex Truong , 1st Place High School Division

From the American Revolution to now, Americans have long debated over who to extend the vote to. For me, though, there is no debate. Should only the educated or propertied vote? Or only Whites? Or only citizens? Of course not. Every American deserves the choice to vote. At the 1957 Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom, King delivered a passionate address about the promise of equality set by the three-year-old Brown v. Board decision and African Americans’ right to the ballot. He exhorted:

But even more, all types of conniving methods are still being used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters. The denial of this sacred right is a tragic betrayal of the highest mandates of our democratic tradition.

Although King’s efforts pressured the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, we Americans still have much work to do. Even in 2020, many states use “conniving methods” to restrict African and Native Americans’ access to voting — imposing voter ID requirements, limiting the availability of polling places, shortening the timeframe of both mail and in-person ballots. While we currently struggle to get Americans to vote, these restrictions will further lower voter turnout. The People can not govern if they are not heard.

The question of who should be able to vote strikes at what it means to be an American. Unlike most other nations, we Americans are bound together not by one race or ethnicity, but by shared belief in the principles of equality and freedom — our “democratic tradition.” Drawn by these American principles, immigrants have come from all over the world to take part in our diverse society. America has not always lived up to its founding principles, but it has created a diverse culture, where differences bind peoples together. To maintain America’s role as the world’s bastion of cultural tolerance, we must extend equal rights and protections to all Americans, especially suffrage. The recent suppression of voting rights is simply un-American. Our nation has long progressed toward an equal future that allows everyone to reach prosperity — and we can not afford to backtrack.

In his speech to Langley High School’s class of 1994, former Justice Antonin Scalia described the three qualities needed to be “the best person you can be” — knowledge, judgement, and character. While not all Americans complete high school or college, every American can have good judgement. We don’t need knowledge to have good judgement, to be able to tell right from wrong, or to be able to vote. In the Early American Republic, the Federalists often granted suffrage to only propertied and educated men. They failed to see it then, but every American has the capacity to make sound decisions for the future of our nation.

We stand on the shoulders of giants who have endeavored to form a Perfect Union, an accepting nation that empowers all to succeed. The recent voter suppression mocks our predecessors and taints the American image of equality. Thus, with good judgement, we should resist these attacks on our democracy.

Aleeze Ali, 2nd Place, High School Division Diary of a Student

I hear Christmas chimes, ringing bells, as my English teacher reminisces on her father’s death. I tune her out to rest my eyes, behind the harsh glare of my laptop screen. I write a eulogy on Santa Claus and pass the class with flying colors.

We laugh about the Mongols, the plague, and all degrees of murder. My hands fall into a rhythm of their own as I mindlessly jot down the date of Hitler’s death. I pause to survey my room, hidden from the sun and awashed in shades of blue. I am a straight A student. I am surrounded by petty comforts. I am okay.

I am okay when I ignore my chemistry teacher to watch the raid on the Capital. I am okay when I grow more aware of my mirrors. I am okay when I watch a man spark a resurgence of civil rights protests through the cold embrace of death. I am okay when I clutch my phone to my face, my one window to a wider world, to see doctors and nurses in tears, begging to be heard. I am okay when I watch wounds bloom across the bodies of those who scream for true equity. I am okay when I watch policemen and politicians and the nauseating ugliness behind Martin Luther King’s work, still unfinished. And watch, and watch, and watch.

I am okay when I realize we were lied to, history glossed over for easier truths. I am okay when I hear of crowded hospitals turning patients away, of unceremonious deaths and contaminated corpses.

I am okay when we are forced to return as if nothing happened. I’ve evaded morning traffic. I can graph trigonometric equations. I laugh and eat and pretend to see the smiles behind my loved ones’ masks. I ignore the imperfections that stain my grade book. I still earn As.

For I am a student. A United States citizen. A child. And I am okay.

Jasmyn James, 3rd Place High School Division

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I fell into uncertainty during the chaos. I felt discouragement over the loss of my friends, extracurricular activities, and what I thought was a full-bodied educational experience. Aspiring to apply to elite academic institutions, I thought I could never make up for my perceived educational losses. Instead, through persevering through the unpredictability, I emerged with new ideas about the distinction between education and schooling, and what being “educated” means to me. Though always a good student, my educational experience pre-COVID focused on completing assignments and getting the perfect grade with the help of external motivation. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that “the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.” This definition is not confined to the walls of the traditional or limited by circumstances. Like everyone else I am required to attend school, where it can be so easy to mindlessly complete tasks to check the boxes, without properly absorbing the information or applying it to my life. School provides me with the ability to obtain a great education, but that is only if I decide to take control of my situation and maximize each opportunity to stretch my limits and take risks. It is through this value of personal investment that I make the greatest strides in achieving my goals. Waking up to attend my daily Zoom classes and complete my assignments, I made the daily decision to apply myself and develop the discipline and internal motivation necessary to get the most out of my assignments. As I adapted to the new rhythm and flexibility of my new school system, I felt gratitude for the free time it provided me. With shorter classes and more individualized assignments, I found myself diving deeper into the material. I looked beyond the standards, searching for the complexity and correlation between my classes and the world around me. I had space to reflect on current events, form new opinions, and independently engage with diverse materials to supplement my educational journey. When I returned to on-campus learning, I had the opportunity to tutor younger students who struggled with the self-regulation that remote learning required. This brings me to the second part of King’s quote: “Intelligence plus character– that is the goal of true education.” To be truly educated, it is not enough to learn something just to keep it to yourself, you must be determined to use what you learn to help others. Armed with my love of learning and compassion, I set out to empower my students to take ownership of their learning. Through tailored tutoring strategies and providing resources for them to use outside of our sessions, I inspired each student to reach beyond their perceived limitations. I helped bring them deeper into each subject while helping them fall in love with creating a practice of individual learning, just as I did.

Middle School Eddie Torres, 1st Place Middle School Division

“So long as I do not ﬁrmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote I do not possess myself. I cannot make up my mind – it is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen, observing the laws I have helped to enact – I can only submit to the edict of others.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

This quote shows how the limitation and restriction of voting entirely undermines the idea of a democracy. Disregarding the opinions and ideas of certain members of our democracy takes away their freedom of speech and individuality. I ﬁnd importance in this quote because of its great relevance in the modern day. It highlights what minorities and young voters feel in the midst of today’s complicated mess that voting has become. It has encouraged people who are disfavored to avoid voting entirely. This not only silences important voices in our democracy, but also ampliﬁes the voice of people in power. This worries me because Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of voting rights in a time of extreme segregation, and sadly, these words are just as relevant today.

Fifty seven years ago, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. This act stopped the use of discriminatory methods, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which greatly restricted minorities from voting. However, after the false accusations of fraud in the 2020 presidential election, new legislation was introduced that once again restricted the voting of minorities and youth.

Georgia has been especially targeted when it comes to these restrictions. This is due to Georgia's uncharacteristic support for Democratic candidates in the 2020 election. For example, identiﬁcation is now required for any absentee vote, however, student identiﬁcation is prohibited. This is blatantly directed at students in an attempt to stop them from voting. Georgia has also restricted handing out water to those waiting in voting lines. This outrageous legislation targets African-Americans because long lines are much more common in their communities.

When I ﬁrst heard about this legislation, I was appalled. It is unthinkable that states are trying to silence minority voices. This is undemocratic, as people in power are going out of their way to silence voices that need to be heard. As someone who will be able to vote in the near future, I feel greatly discouraged by these restrictions. I feel like I do not truly live in a democracy, as states try to silence the opinions of others. It is heartbreaking to see local governments prioritizing the suppression of minorities over the expression of their opinions. We need to pressure our government leaders into making it easier to vote as opposed to making it harder. We should also educate others on the insane legislation that restricts voting, so that more people are aware of what some states are trying to do, suppressing the voice of American citizens.

Kate Hwang, 2nd Place Middle School Division President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, outlawed slavery; however, enforcement of the Proclamation took a slow, painful pace to reach the slaves of Texas, the most remote state of the former Confederacy. Only two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, on June 19, 1865, did the announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union General Gordon Granger, finally end institutional slavery in one of the last unfree states. That day became the recently federally recognized holiday of Juneteenth. However, just as the abolishment of slavery didn’t preclude Jim Crowe laws and segregation, recognition of Juneteenth does not end the racial injustices that persist in our society.

The world today is different from 1865, but not different enough. It takes nanoseconds for information and proclamations to be transmitted online across the world, yet some of us still believe African Americans are an inferior race. We know institutional slavery has ended, yet even I, a 12-year-old girl in Sacramento, California, understand that institutional racism still thrives.

But – you may ask – how can I, a third-generation Chinese American girl, understand the significance of Juneteenth? The answer is I can’t, at least not anywhere close to the depths of my African American friends, and even less so to the depths felt by their ancestors. However, I am beginning to understand that racism may not just be personal prejudice but rather is entrenched in how this country governs and disciplines. Patterns of discrimination that occurred in the 1800s continue today. Racism is woven into our criminal system (George Floyd), our educational system (the disproportionate disciplining of black students), and our health care system (uneven access to vaccines and PPE). I am beginning to understand that our choices today, even without intending to be racist, can fuel racism. But, I need the help of my teachers and community leaders for me to view racism with a wide-angle lens.

“100 years later, the negro still, is not free” As Dr. King delivered his powerful speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, he praised Lincoln for freeing slaves from their bonds, but described how the African Americans were still not free, as they still faced segregation in America.

Fifty-nine years after Dr. King proclaimed those words, the negro still, is not free. The injustices of our criminal justice system and educational policy are only two of the legacies of slavery that persist. What can we do that has not already been done in the last fifty-nine years? We can implement tools in education to teach children about the persistence of segregation and racism, how it negatively affects our lives now, and what we must change to end it.

The world hasn’t yet learned how to accept everyone. We are only halfway down the path, but with the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, we are one step closer to the end of the hike.

Addison Luong, 3rd Place Middle School Division

I have never been one to not enjoy school. Life at home and life at school were separate for me. My life at home was more accurately described as my life in homes. My family was always moving; our life was constantly changing. Au contraire, the schedule and structure of school gave me something to count on. But remote learning for two school years showed me the flaws of the schedule and structure I love, and taught me to appreciate my (pretty crazy) life at home.

School during the COVID-19 pandemic was far from schedule and structure.While there was a set time for virtual classes on Zoom, there were no longer bustling hallways, leading to a classroom. Instead, the upper half of my body glitched behind a black frame with my name on a screen. This new structure gave me more freedom than I ever had, and before I even realized it, my “school life” merged with my “home life.”

Every day, I am no longer exhausted from a day of hard work and play, but from staring at a screen. I wake up early only to huff and puff at technical difficulties of getting on to my first virtual meeting and sit through every class afterward. A day of distanced learning is not complete until I want to throw my computer out the window.While the majority of my classmates did not engage in classes, I did. Only, I was becoming too much like the computer I sat in front of every day. I felt like I was a robot programmed to get As; to think and do whatever it took to get an A. But my memory card was wiped at the end of the school year.

Education stretches beyond the four walls of a classroom — its impact on students wavers. Our different learning environments foster growth in other areas aside from typical school subjects. I, for one, discovered new subject matters that spurred my passions.

So out of 24 hours, I spent three 335 uneventful minutes in a trance and I had freedom otherwise — to do whatever I wanted. And that’s what I did. In between classes and during lunch break, I discovered my hobbies and my passions.

While a school year during the COVID-19 pandemic took away so much from so many students, it gave me something I would have never found if I did not sit through hours of virtual classes each day. Education should not be forcing students to be robots to produce As. Education should disregard As and show students a world of building robots or flying planes, snapping photos, or leading organizations. Education should open students’ eyes to see the stars, but let the students connect them into constellations.

Distanced learning added a few constellations to my sky, but I am only just getting started. I have a whole universe I have yet to discover, and make my own.

Essay Contest Sponsored By

With support from Alcalay Communications and The Sacramento County Office of Education

The objective of the K-12 Student Essay/Poetry and Poster contest is to capture Dr. King’s legacy in word and art. ASU will host its 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast on January 18, 2024. A highlight of the celebration is the recognition and awards ceremony for Arizona K-12 students who are winners of the statewide essay and poster contest.

First place essay winners read their work at the celebration - and for the poster winners – their art is transformed into bookmarks that all guests receive at the celebration.

Click below to enter.

2025 essay/poetry entry form 2025 poster entry form

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Inspirational resources.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Day, Death, Quotes

National Geographic Kids - Hero For All: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Smithsonian Institution

Text of the "I have a dream" speech

Stanford Univerity's Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute

Day of Service

“The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Clayborne Carson

“A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Martin Luther King, Jr. and James M. Washington

“Becoming King: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Making of a National Leader.” by Troy Jackson PhD and Clayborne Carson

Speeches by Dr. King

MLK, Jr. Remembered

“We Shall Overcome” audio with images

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Biography for Children, American History for Kids – FreeSchool

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'We didn't come this far, to only come this far': Martin Luther King Jr. Student Essay Contest winners share visions for peace

In yet another year marked by loss, disease and violence, Milwaukee's youth picked up their pens to share their hope for change and peace in their city, and their ideas for the future.

This year marks the 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Essay contest, which began in 1981 as a way to celebrate, remember and continue King's legacy. The essay contest is sponsored by the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. (Journal Sentinel reporter Devi Shastri was the final round judge for the grade 9 and 10 competition.)

This year's theme is "Working Toward a World of Peace," and is inspired by King's 1966 essay titled "Nonviolence: The Only Road to Freedom."

"There is no easy way to create a world where men and women can live together, where each has his own job and home and where all children receive as much education as their minds can absorb ... It will be done by rejecting racism, materialism and violence ... and especially by working toward a world of brotherhood, cooperation and peace," King wrote.

Peace is like an unsolved puzzle, wrote fifth grader Mahogany Hill, of Samuel Clemens Elementary, who won first place in her grade category. We each hold the missing pieces ― of peace, love and collaboration ― that are needed to complete the image, Hill explained.

"When we assemble our pieces, we will be closer to having the peace that Dr. King wanted for us all," Hill wrote. "We didn’t come this far, to only come this far! Dr. King reminds us that completing our puzzle will not be easy, but he tells us to pick up our pieces with courage. Every piece, big and small, is needed. Our puzzle for world peace is waiting for your piece!"

More: A year into pandemic, Milwaukee students apply MLK's words to their lives now in speeches recorded on video

This year's honorees wrote of many issues that affect their communities, including reckless driving, gun violence, racism and bullying on social media. They also presented their thoughts for what must change, and pledged to do their part to help their community.

"Throughout Milwaukee's history, peace has been nebulous. Racism and violence have increased, making overall crime skyrocket, which puts up a line of segregation: an enemy of King's dream. In Milwaukee, one cannot turn the news on without hearing about someone that was shot or killed," wrote Riverside University High School senior Darius Solomon, who took second in his grade category. "With all that is happening in the city, there is no surprise that some believe peace is a non-obtainable phenomenon."

"Despite the disorder, the light of peace is displayed by those who contribute to their community," he wrote. "Their efforts are recognized and commended by the Milwaukeean people. These are the people who have hope — people who change the lives of others for a better city — for better peace."

Read all of the first, second and third place winners' essays here.

First place: Khyei Thang, third grade, Kluge Elementary

Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision of people living in a world of peace. To me, a world of peace has kindness and people respecting each other. There would be no more violence, and people would get along with everyone. In a world of peace people would speak kindly to each other and try to help each other. In a peaceful world there is teamwork, trustworthiness and acceptance.

Dr. King said, "It is always the right time to do what is right." Working toward a world of peace is the right thing to do for all of us. It starts with you and me, and it needs to start right now. What does a world of peace look like to you?

Second place: Lizmarie Soto, third grade, Kluge Elementary

I want a world peace because I want everyone to be safe. I agree with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that you can kill the dreamer, but you can’t kill the dream. This means you can kill a person, but you can’t kill their dream. This relates to world peace because even though Dr. King died fighting for peace and justice for everyone, people are still dreaming and fighting for world peace like me.

I believe to have peace we have to stop people from being abused. People are hurting others in many ways like being violent towards them like assaults, school invasions, shootings, and war.

To have peace, I will write a letter to the presidents of the world to help stop abuse, violence, and wars toward people. Especially to stop school invasions and school shootings. To fight for peace in my community I will put up flyers that say Stop the Violence! so people know that we have a problem. Everyone in the world should be safe.

Third place: Brielle Denson, third grade, Trowbridge School of Great Lake Studies

Martin Luther King Jr. worked very hard toward equal rights for all people and to make sure we all lived in a world of peace.

He was a great man that helped change the laws so that all colors of people were treated the same. Back in the day black people weren’t allowed to use certain water fountains, eat in certain restaurants or sit in certain spots on a bus. He made sure people heard his voice which made other people join his mission in world peace and equality.

I want to be just like Martin Luther King Jr. because I want to make the community I live in better. Sometimes in my classroom I notice kids not being so nice to each other. I jump in sometimes and talk to them about coming up with better solutions. I remind students to stop, count to ten and freshen their mind up so they don’t hurt their friends feelings.

In my neighborhood I notice a lot of crazy fast cars that cause us a lot of anxiety. I’m only allowed outside with an adult because my mom is scared of the way people drive. I would like to rally for more speed bumps or for something to be done about the fast hill by my home. My hopes are that people drive more peacefully and care about each other.

I hope someday I make a difference by spreading peace and kindness like Martin Luther King Jr.

First place: Mahogany Hill, fifth grade, Samuel Clemens Elementary

Have you ever put a puzzle together? It feels good when all of the pieces fit together and the puzzle is complete. However, when pieces are missing, we feel disappointed. This is what is happening in our world today. We have the ability to create the world that Dr. King sacrificed his life for. We have the power to make his dream a reality, but the puzzle pieces that we need to make this happen are missing!

We need your puzzle pieces marked “peace”. We need to get rid of violence of any kind. We must fight for stronger laws against reckless driving which is causing violence in our streets. We need to stop spending so much money to fight wars and make weapons which kill people. We must not allow people to use their hate filled words to cause violence against each other.

We need your puzzle pieces marked “love”. It must never be acceptable to live in a world where it is alright to hate or separate anyone because of the color of their skin. It is never alright to hate someone because they are different from us. If love is equally distributed to everyone, peace can be shared. Empathy, acceptance, being the bigger person, and respecting each other are ways that we love each other.

We need your puzzle pieces marked “collaboration”. We will live in a more peaceful world, when we start talking and brainstorming together. We can’t ignore each other because we don’t agree. We must understand why we disagree and find ways to work together for everyone’s good!

I challenge each person to find their missing puzzle pieces. When we assemble our pieces, we will be closer to having the peace that Dr. King wanted for us all. We didn’t come this far, to only come this far! Dr. King reminds us that completing our puzzle will not be easy, but he tells us to pick up our pieces with courage. Every piece, big and small, is needed. Our puzzle for world peace is waiting for your piece!

Second place: Leigha Stewart, fifth grade, Samuel Clemens Elementary

Dr. King dedicated his life to walking a road of peace and non-violence. In his speech entitled “Nonviolence: the Only Road to Freedom” he said that true and lasting world peace will happen only when we dedicate ourselves to walking this road! However, it seems that we have lost our way and have been stuck on the wrong road.

There are so many people who believe that peace is impossible. People argue, fight, and disagree. They make and use weapons which make people doubt peace. That doubt affects other people’s thoughts and actions. They become so blinded that they never can understand what peace can really be!

I choose to walk the road to peace where everyone unites in harmony. It is the road where we walk together and engage in helping each other, instead of hurting each other. It is the road where we accept each other for who we are, instead of passing judgements because we do not understand each other. It is the road filled with the sounds of our voices, not making fun of people who are different, but supporting and building each other up!

Let us walk the road of understanding, where we don’t build racist walls to separate and keep each other out. Let us choose the road where people collaborate to get rid of guns, end war, and violence so that children can play and be free, instead of hiding in bunkers or their houses because it’s too dangerous. Let us march united for equal rights for women and protest laws which tell women what to do with their bodies. Let’s join our voices with the Mahsa Aminis of the world who protest against governments who control what women can wear. Let us march for girls’ right to go to school so they don’t have to be afraid anymore.

When love, empathy, and justice overcome the world, we will have the peace that Dr. King dreamt of. Now is the time to walk united, so that the road we take, is one that we can all live with!

Third place: Isaiah Price, fifth grade, Samuel Clemens Elementary

I am going to teach you all how we can work toward a world of peace. Let's go over the learning goals. Goal number one, we will learn how to promote equality, and goal number two we will learn how to show kindness and compassion. Dr. King stated that “True peace is not merely the Absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” That means we need to work towards a world of peace and be brave and have the energy to make things happen.

Goal number one is promoting equality. How can we do that? Well, one thing I know is that we all have a voice and I know that we all can speak. I am a black intelligent male. I am tired of walking out of my house feeling that I am not worthy of being trusted in society because I am a black male. There are some black males who don’t make good decisions, but it’s not everybody making these types of choices. I am no thief or murderer. I am a black intelligent male who is working toward making a world of peace.

Goal number two is to show kindness and compassion. How much energy would it take for people to be kind to one another? A kinder person means a kinder world. I remember walking out of pick-n-save with my mom. I saw this lady and her hands were filled with groceries. I held the door for her. She was very thankful, but also surprised that I helped her. Why are people surprised when someone reaches out and helps someone? Our world has gotten so dreadful that when people help someone they are shocked. Let's all be kind and more compassionate.

Dr. King stated that “We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream”. So your homework assignments starting tonight are to help people who are in need and start speaking out against inequality. If we all can do this we all will get an A plus on working towards a world of peace!

First place: Harper Edmonds, Milwaukee Parkside School

Our world is beautiful, and unique just like all living things that inhabit it. So many beautiful people, with big hearts, help people in need, or help people that aren’t treated right. Dr. Martin Luther King was one of those people that have big hearts, and do all that they can to help so many people. He has moved the world in so many ways. His ‘I Have A Dream’ speech has caused thousands of people with darker complexions to be treated normal, and not like they are less than anyone else.

Although, past the beauty, the way humans act toward each other, makes our world also full of hate. Though the world is that way, there is a flower of goodness in every human, and in our Earth. With every person doing even one kind act a day, our world’s flower, and the flower inside of us can bloom, and can make the world much better.

I have seen so much hate whether or not it is face to face, or online. I see kids trying to express creativity by making videos. Yet people still make fun of them, and If someone they know saw that, they could get bullied. That is not and never will be okay. Like Dr. Martin Luther King had said in his I Have A Dream speech, “ We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. “

Send love to people. Make them feel good about themselves. Even saying one kind thing about their outfit can make them feel good. If you disagree with someone, that’s okay. But you should not say mean things to them or call them names. That’s going too far.

We need to work towards a non-violent and peaceful way of living. Because in a lot of places, it is not safe to walk alone at night, but we should be able to do what we want and not have to worry. We shouldn’t have to watch what we say because if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person, bad things could happen to you.

Our flower of love, kindness, and peace can bloom. Our world has the ability to be peaceful. If you get angry, try removing yourself to prevent you hurting yourself, or someone else. Even you have the power to help it. If every person does even one kind act a day, our world’s flower, and the flower inside of us can bloom, and can make the world so much better.

Second place: Milan Hardrick, Milwaukee Parkside School

Working towards a world of peace, what does that mean? It means that little boys and girls won't be treated differently because their skin is a little darker than others. It means that society should stop treating people differently because they look different. It's ridiculous to treat people differently for something they can't control. You can't choose if you want to be black or white. You just have to accept it.

One of those ways to achieve peace and equality is to give every single person on this planet the same human rights. No matter their skin color. Even if we all don't look the same, that does not give people a single right to discriminate against others that look different than them. We are all humans so why can't we treat everyone the same? We all have to work together as one race of humans to overcome all the challenges in life. One of the first steps is to equally treat people the same way.

When I say give people the same human rights I don't mean physically fighting people to get them. It's really frustrating to see others being treated better than you all because their skin is lighter. But we can’t be punching people. We have to find a more peaceful way to handle racism. Thankfully many people have already found a more peaceful way to handle racial inequality or just human inequality in general.

For example Mahatma Gandhi. Martin Luther King Jr. Fredrick Douglas. Nelson Mandela. Rosa Parks and so many more. We need to be like these people and fight any problems we have with peace. Their ways have changed the world but not every part of the world has changed to accept everyone. Maybe you can follow in their footsteps and help change the world so that everyone can find peace.

Third place: Christian Wilder, Independent Entry

"The Richer We Have Become Materially, The Poor We Become Morally And Spiritually. We Have Learned To Fly In The Air Like Birds And Swim In The Sea Like Fish, But We Have Not Learned The Simple Art Of Living Together As Brothers". As a young black male, I'm up against an era where balloons tied to a tree and large groups gathered with candles to remember loved ones lost due to gun violence is considered normal for me especially when my mom is driving me to school or extracurricular events. Every balloon, tear and person represents a bandage, we're covering up each incident without applying any ointment to fully heal! How do we bring peace when we have become immune to the pain?

My city might have flaws but as a 6th grader I have a plan to make my city Milwaukee and the world a better place. It won't happen overnight but it will happen. Therapy is looked upon as "crazy" in my generation but if it was talked about back in the day peace wouldn't be so hard to find. Having a safe place to go or a person to speak to will eliminate bottled up anger. Anger leads to unnecessary acts that may involve violence. Therapy will help with finding peace within so when we encounter others it will be demonstrated.

"The Internet Made Me Do It" is a prime example of why social media should be decreased throughout homes around the world. Most violence is provoked through a status, message or cyberbullying. Social media should display positive stories to increase peace outside homes. I'm not saying eliminate tik toks but let's post more love and decrease the time we're online as well. If we stay online long enough, we start to believe that negative things that are being posted bring us peace but it does not.

I will continue to stay active in my community to be able to put myself in a position as an adult to help change laws that will bring peace to neighborhoods. I will maintain good grades to be accepted into schools that will help me change the world. "It is no longer a choice, my friends, between violence and nonviolence. It is either nonviolence or nonexistence". I EXIST and definitely will be apart of the change the world will seek to bring peace!

First place: Syria Winston-Robertson, eighth grade, Hi-Mount Community School

We can bring this world to peace by standing for social justice, showing kindness and compassion, and by being a world citizen.

To make this world more peaceful instead of hateful, judgeful and with all this violence we have to smile at people no matter whether they are indifferent, angry, or unhappy. We must forgive people and take them as they are. We have to respect every living thing, and never support violence.

We live in turbulent times, and sometimes it feels like peace is a distant concept that will only occur when we are no longer around to experience it. But when you look at the big picture, it becomes clear that peace has been achieved in the past and can be achieved again. To work toward peace, we (alone) have more power than we would like to believe.

We All Have a Responsibility When It Comes to Creating a Better World

We always say that other people did this or that, but we are never responsible for what happens to ourselves. We must take responsibility for our own actions, and make choices that help bring about peace.

If we can change our attitudes, I think a lot of things will change. By influencing others around us, we can change the way people think about war and how they can help keep the peace. You do not have to be famous or rich to influence others, all you need is an idea and a strong desire to share it with those around you. Peace education enables people to make informed choices and determine their own path in life.

Dr. Martin Luther King once said, "True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." He also said that peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold. We should keep these ideals in mind as we work for peace in our families, schools, and communities.

We can promote peace in our homes, by treating everyone with respect and kindness, even when they are angry or upset. We can even promote peace online or through social media by always staying positive and not talking about others.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We will not build a peaceful world by following a negative path. It is not enough to say ‘We must not wage war.’ It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but on the positive affirmation of peace.”

Second place: Kaleigha Weber, seventh grade, Milwaukee School of Languages

I think we could be working harder for peace.Because we have not reached peace, have we? People are working hard for it, but no one else really cares.Peace is in some places, yes, but not everywhere. But peace is not something that stays. Peace is a feeling, which comes and goes. Peace can go to anger, and frustration in seconds.But, I think that peace will come to us one day.Peace is not inevitable, but it will come. When I think of peace, I think of a pretty forest.In that forest, the only noise is the birds chirping.For others, peace is not hearing gunshots every hour.For others, peace is not hearing parents arguing.For others, peace is no bombs falling on your city.Peace is different for many people. But it all happens to everyone differently. It comes and goes, and for some people, it stays. For others, it’s on and off. One day it’s here, the next it’s not.And sometimes… it never comes.But I think if we keep working towards it, keep spreading peace,For those people who never have it, they will. But sometimes peace is scary.Sometimes, you’ll hear loud noises, scary noises.But then, it all gets quiet. It's peaceful. No noise.Yet for some reason, it makes you more scared.Either that, or you don't even feel better. Some people pass away with peace. Others... do not. I hope we do reach peace in life. Towards a world where everyone can be with peace.But maybe we’ll never get there.Maybe we’ll be stuck in the endless loop where no one can have peace.Maybe, it’ll get worse, maybe there will be no peace, ever.But, if we do work our hardest for it, I believe we will get that peace.The peace that everyone is happy with, and can live with.That is what working towards a world of peace means to me.

Third place: Lilyana Sanders, eighth grade, Manitoba School

Dr. King once said “The time is always right to do what is right.” We all want peace. But some of us won't act to do so. I will not be one of those people. I will work towards a world of peace by Picking up trash in my neighborhood, helping my mom with things she needs, and trying my best to focus in school.

In my community I will help pick up trash. What I would do to help is by walking around my neighborhood to see if there is trash. And if there is I would pick it up and throw it in the trash or in the recycling if it needs to be recycled. This would affect me, my community and the earth. I would get more exercise, the neighborhood would be cleaner and the earth would be a little less polluted. Hopefully by doing this I will lead by example and other people will do it.

In my Home I will help my mom with things she needs. For example if she needs me to help her clean my grandpa's house I will do it no matter how much I don't want to do it. This would affect my mom for the most part. By doing this I could reduce her stress just a bit.

In my school I would try my best to focus in school. I would try to do little tips and tricks and not focus on other things like movies I have already watched. This would affect me and my parents. By doing this I would have better grades, be able to go have a good job and my parents would not have to be worried about me too much.

By doing these acts I hope that I can lead a better future and once I am an adult I can do more. I can do more for myself and others. Sometimes people need a little help and I want to be the one who helps them. Just like Dr. King said “We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization.”

Grades 9-10

First place: taliyah grant, ninth grade, riverside university high school.

In order for Milwaukee and the world to be a more peaceful place, we need to use our resources and motivate and encourage the children. In the same way that I look up to leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I have little cousins who look up to me, and I want to build a future for them where they are safe. One issue I see as impacting the safety and peace of the youth is the massive amount of abandoned, run-down spaces, not only around Milwaukee, but in communities of color around the US. I think we can use these abandoned buildings like houses, empty parks, and open fields, and put them to use by making them into beneficial places. Make them into group homes, shelters, foster homes, & community centers. For example, a lot of kids in Milwaukee steal cars. And I feel like if they actually find something similar to stealing cars like robotics, that would be the start of change. If adults gave young people more activities they enjoy, instead of the same couple of things. They would be involved more.

In addition to needing safe spaces, kids need role models. When kids don’t have people at home that keep them motivated or encourage them to do good, they’re not going to do good. This is because if they're not getting told right from wrong or that they shouldn’t be doing something, they're going to continue to do it. They’re not going to care that what they are doing is not right, if the adult is not doing the same. To add on, parents are not always to blame. Some kids act up so much that the adult is tired and just gives up because they don't listen. I know a handful of parents who actually did care once but the children continued to act up, so they stopped trying. By providing things and activities they enjoy doing and role models to support them, it can keep young people from doing the bad things.

Dr. King said that a peaceful world is one, “where all children receive as much education as their minds can absorb.” This is important to me because I also believe all kids should get an education but, there's so much going on in the world it's making kids not care about their education as much. Some schools that are free or that are in the neighborhood aren't always the best school for the child. Especially, when they already live in a bad neighborhood or community. In my opinion, the community & environment can affect the way a child learns. Nine times outta, most of the time positive learning environments will make the child feel more comfortable, engaged & motivated. You can’t just expect change, you have to be the change.

Second place: Auggie Hoffman, tenth grade, Riverside University High School

Peace sometimes seems unattainable in this violent world, but as Vincent Van Gogh said, “There is even peace in the storm.” What does peace mean to me? Peace means that there are no hate crimes and/or discriminatory violence. Laws being made against LGBTQ individuals and discrimination against black people both in law and socially causes unrest among the people. Gun violence and police brutality towards protesters is a result of prejudice. Innocent black people would not be killed by white police if they weren’t racist. The government wouldn’t try to silence protesters if they weren’t trying to keep discriminatory laws and policies in place. So in conclusion, hate crimes and discriminatory violence keeps us from being peaceful, if we all just accept one another and get over our prejudices, our country and the world will be a safer place.

Do I live in a peaceful city? No, I don’t believe I do. With gun violence, gangs like the Kia boys, theft, and large amounts of poverty. Even in school we are not safe, with there being a shooting near our school last year and a kid showing off a gun on campus earlier this school year. Car theft is a huge issue and reckless driving causes many car accidents, sometimes causing deaths. Many people are poor and it's almost impossible for minorities to get out of that situation. Living in dangerous areas and people living on the streets because of our stingy economy. Last year an adult came up to me and my friends begging for money for food, and there are people begging children for drug money. Milwaukee is not a peaceful place with segregation, violence, and discrimination plagueing our city.

What needs to change to make Milwaukee a more peaceful city? Milwaukee needs stricter gun laws, traffic re-enforcement, more funding for public schools, and unification. Gun violence will go way down if who can own a gun is strictly regulated, with assault rifles completely banned, we don’t need weapons that are only used to hurt each other. If there is more traffic reinforcement, unsafe drivers will be taken off the roads, reducing car accidents. This will also help stop car theft and hopefully the kia boys. If school is reconstructed to the needs of the kids instead of to produce factory workers. If we put more money into the system we can pay teachers liveable wages and make a positive environment for children to learn. If people want to be in school and are exposed to different kinds of people and are educated, they will be less likely to engage in violence and discrimination. If the city becomes less segregated, then different ethnic backgrounds and races will learn to accept and love one another. This will lead to less hate crimes and discriminatory violence from police and citizens. These things will help Milwaukee become a more peaceful and beautiful city. When people accept one another, and don’t hurt each other, this city will be a much better place.

Third place: Donavan Coleman, tenth grade, Riverside University High School

What is peace to you? Peace to me is when you can sit down on a towel on the beach drinking pink lemonade looking at the sea hearing the waves crash with each other. We can create peace by stopping car thefts and larceny in Milwaukee. We also can help create peace by giving them motivation to do something instead of fit in (do trends).

Have you ever seen any problems in your community? One of the serious problems I see in our community are the “Kia Boys.” “Kia Boys” are one of the most known problems in Milwaukee. The “Kia Boys'' are known for taking your car or taking parts from your car and even selling them. When the “Kia Boys” take your car they increase the deaths that can be devastating to family members. That behavior can be stopped if we put children that have an inspiration with cars so that they can become engineers, NASCAR drivers, and maybe mechanics. We can also influence the other kids to play sports like basketball, football, soccer, or golf. Sports would keep them out of trouble, and the GPA needed would allow them to have acceptable grades so they can do something productive. We also can take that behavior away by taking away social media. Social media can create a lot of habits like procrastinating and trying to fit in “joining the trend.” This is another way we can stop car thefts and larceny in Milwaukee.

Has there ever been a time where you’ve seen violence around your area? Maybe you’ve seen people arguing. Maybe you’ve seen violence on television. I have a way to hypothetically stop violence. I would take them to better environments, give them better teachers and better schools. Almost like giving them a reason to go to school. We could also give the students some type of competition like games so that students are getting the education they need but aren’t making bad choices. Like Martin Luther King Jr. said, “where all children receive as much education their minds can absorb.

As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “There is no easy way to create a world where men and women can live together, where each has his own job and home and where all children receive as much education as their minds can absorb….It will be done by rejecting racism, materialism and violence …and especially by working toward a world of brotherhood, cooperation and peace.”

Milwaukee can learn a lot from Martin Luther King's words by creating neighborhoods with parks, so that people have a safer environment. Milwaukee can create more gyms to give people things to do. Also parents in Milwaukee should care more or have better security protocols like cameras so they know where their children are. Or parents can utilize “life 360” to access their children's locations so then they have no reason to be playing around (or being irresponsible). This is what Milwaukee should do to help Milwaukee become safer.

Grades 11-12

First place: tatiyana dockery, eleventh grade, riverside university high school.

Every morning when I wake up, I am reminded of how certain people don't think positively about Black people and how this impacts me personally as a person of color. P.E.A.C.E.: Why can't we just have a world like this, where everyone can coexist peacefully? In his essay "Nonviolence: The Only Road to Freedom," Martin Luther King addresses this issue by outlining how we must cooperate to achieve peace and freedom. Martin Luther King once said that “We must come to see that at the end we seek a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience,” meaning that we need to be concerned about the problems or injustices of society or simply just care about those who are less fortunate by being them peace.

My peace is a world in which people appreciate me for who I am as a person, regardless of race. I am a person of color, though, and I do not fit into any of the categories mentioned; instead, I am a quiet young woman who sincerely values education and aspires to attend college to become a doctor. I'm a Black young lady who enjoys staying in binge-watching K dramas while covered in blankets. I'm a Black woman who despises violence and strives to live a peaceful life. I am a young Black woman, and I have never hit anyone but my siblings. My serenity comes from not being terrified or uncomfortable about going into a predominantly white store without someone suspecting me of stealing something. My peace is a world in which we may all come together and be equal without regard for skin color.

I've never hated someone in my life, let alone a different race that I'd never met. However, when it comes to Black people, some claim to despise us. Why is that? Why do some people harbor such intense hatred for others they have never attempted to understand instead basing their opinions only on what others have said? I am aware that some people of color exhibit all the characteristics I listed in the paragraph above, but that does not justify comparing one black person to another. Without worrying about skin tone, everyone should get to know one another.

Racism is one wrongdoing in society, and it will still exist in 2022. Given that slavery was abolished over 155 years ago, why do people of color still have to endure hearing racist slurs and experiencing prejudice based on our skin tone and outer appearances? The civil rights movement for which Martin Luther King Jr. fought so tenaciously is gradually crumbling. Instead of going back to the past, we ought to be moving forward and uniting as one. I used to wonder how racism was in the past, but right now I am literally witnessing how the past keeps resurfacing. Will there ever be a civilization where we can overcome racism? We are only able to put the broken pieces of the world back together with P.E.A.C.E. All we require for cooperation and unity is P.E.A.C.E. Therefore, if everyone could just find peace in the world, perhaps we could all come together.

Second place: Darius Solomon, twelfth grade, Riverside University High School

Peace is a never-ending battle for the soul of the world, a fight fought by all of us, whether we know it or not. To me, peace is the harmonization of everyone and everything, a state of self-consciousness in which uncontrollable factors, like our skin tone, gender, and ethnicity, are not judged, ridiculed, and questioned. It is the path to a future of tranquility– a path to a better world of potential prosperity and righteousness– the walk we as individuals need to endure if we ever want to achieve world peace.

Dr. King challenged us to reject “racism, materialism, and violence” as they are obstacles to this peace. Some of us attempt to avoid such matters, but others are devoid of the same vision, especially in Milwaukee. Throughout Milwaukee's history, peace has been nebulous. Racism and violence have increased, making overall crime skyrocket, which puts up a line of segregation: an enemy of King's dream. In Milwaukee, one cannot turn the news on without hearing about someone that was shot or killed. With all that is happening in the city, there is no surprise that some believe peace is a non-obtainable phenomenon. Despite the disorder, the light of peace is displayed by those who contribute to their community. Their efforts are recognized and commended by the Milwaukeean people. These are the people who have hope– people who change the lives of others for a better city– for better peace.

Milwaukee needs a series of changes to achieve true peace; that change begins with its citizens. For instance, our view of objects of our desires needs to stop being our focus and driving force — the "materialism" Dr. King wanted us to reject because it enables us to segregate our needs from our wants — an ailment of peace. Materialism is often mistakenly associated with people and communities of color. However, when you peel back the layers of that stereotype, you can attribute it to the fact that the white population has the highest distribution of our country's wealth. These privileges leave those who aren't economically privileged white folks to feel there is no avenue to social wealth or material gain. Therefore, here in Milwaukee, stealing seems to be the only method of getting what they want. These stereotypes are why those with racist, sexist, and homophobic views should evaluate why they have those views. It allows another line of segregation to occur, which authorizes countless battles or protests to fight, and once again disrupts the mending peace of the city.

Those views do not contribute to peace, especially the ongoing issue of racism. Racism does not provide any comfort to someone of color. Day-to-day, we experience microaggressions, stereotypes, or blatant racism, which is unwanted in a world of peace. It does no good for us and gives us fewer opportunities than someone white. If everyone in the city and country is willing to cooperate more, we can diminish such views over time, as many of us have already been doing in the current era. In these efforts, we will achieve a peace that will be desirable to everyone, no matter their color, sexuality, or sex. Ultimately, this is the goal Dr. King had strived for; as King had expressed, "it will be done… by minorities and white people of goodwill ."

Third place: Jennifer Adongo, twelfth grade, Bay View High School

"World peace," alternatively referred to as "peace on Earth," is the idealized position of unity, equality, and tranquility between and among all individuals and nations on the entire planet. The definitive objective of world peace would be to remove discrimination to a considerable extent. Although actions have been taken to reduce bias, it will require a significant shift in society today to capture the full scope of Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision.

Making as many volunteers as possible is my current vision in order to bring about world peace. Volunteering in the community aids in resolving various issues that aren't addressed by governmental and cultural institutions. Since teens are the time of day and they would receive the mark from day, talking about volunteering with teens should be the start of a better life. In various nations around the world, schools have made it a requirement for students to graduate from the 12th grade that they complete a certain number of hours of community service. Volunteerism may have long-lasting effects on not just the people who get assistance, but it will also enhance individual volunteering. Volunteering is the only way certain groups can accomplish their goals. Volunteers are significantly more likely to retain their lives by giving time to improve because they are helping those who will not better themselves. Regardless of how significant the effort is, volunteering has an impact on some people's lives.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision of using nonviolent protest to bring about world peace; mine is not exactly the same as his, though it is nonviolent. Nonviolence can be practiced individually as a way of life or collectively as a means of resolving conflict and creating a peaceful society. Practitioners of non-violence employ a variety of effective techniques in their quest for cultural transformation. They have tried to bring about cultural change through messages to administrations, nonviolent resistance, nonviolent protest, and communication through the media. "Nonviolence offers the only way to freedom for my people," says Martin Luther King in "Nonviolence: The Only Road to Freedom."

In order to redistribute power in society, nonviolent campaigns also include a wide range of creative protest tactics as well as extensive non-cooperation and nonviolent interventions. With this desire or even with these words, Dr. King did not waver. He went out of his way to find a solution. He was actively involved in the fight for racial equality before he celebrated. In "Nonviolence: The Only Road to Freedom," Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, "This is a time for action." "What is needed is a strategy for change." After giving his talk, he wrote books, spoke with religious and political figures, and continued to strive for justice. Martin Luther King writes in "Nonviolence: The Only Road to Freedom," "The road to freedom is a difficult, hard road; it always makes for temporary setbacks." The desire does not alter the efforts. Continue to be magnanimous by taking action to finish this last account on a certain topic. It can entail creating prayer groups, reaching out to individuals in this manner, or locating an organization already engaged in the endeavor you have chosen to undertake.

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Student winners of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest announced
Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest 2021
Winners of MLK, Jr. essay contest announced
2024 MLK Essay Contest
MNEA Human Rights Committee awards student-winners in the 2022 Dr
8th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Sacramento Region Essay Contest

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Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 6 Winner Drashti Dhami and Salman
2024 Arlington MLK 1st Place Essay Winner: Joy Lewis

COMMENTS

Essay Contest
Essays must clearly address the contest theme and prompt. Essays may not be identical to any speech submissions. Word count parameters: 4-6th Grades -- up to 750 words. 7-8th Grades -- up to 1,000 words. 9-12th Grades -- up to 1,500 words. Essays should be typed in English with size 12 font and 1" margins and include a works cited page.
MLK Jr. Essay Contest
OVERVIEW. Students in Middle School and High School are asked to write an essay based on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Up to 5 essays may be submitted by a single school. This contest is free for Department of Student Programs member schools. Non-member schools will be charged $10 per essay that is submitted.
Essay Contest
The 5 Step Essay Writing Process That Will Help You Write Better Papers. Step 1: Determine your purpose for writing the paper. …. Step 2: Write down everything and anything about your topic. …. Step 3: Organize your thoughts. …. Step 4: Start writing, then take a step back. …. Step 5: Grade your own paper.
2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Essay Contest
The City of Dallas is pleased to announce the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest! The contest will award eight scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 (per award) to graduating high school seniors accepted into a college-level educational institution (two-year college, four-year college, or trade school).
The 2024 MLK Essay Contest Question
Essays must adhere to the contest rules below and must be submitted by Friday, December 22, 2023 at 5 pm. First, second, and third-place winners will receive cash prizes and be recognized as part of the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Saturday, January 27, 2024, being held at Sacramento State University.
2025 Essay Contest
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee. Primary Navigation Menu. ... 2024 Poster and Essay Awards Presentation; 2024 Grand Parade and Festival; 2024 Commemorative and Scholarship Banquet; 2024 Community Worship Service ... Calendar. Board Members Calendar; 2025 Essay Contest; 2025 Poster Contest; 2023 - Year in Review; Grants ...
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Contest
2024 Contest Materials (pdf) The Missouri NEA Human Rights Committee is sponsoring the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay and Visual Art Contest for K-12 public school students. The theme for the 2024 contest is "Leadership and Service." Students are being asked to reflect on the qualities of leadership and service that were exemplified by ...
Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest
Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Senator Murphy is inviting elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut to help honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by submitting essays that reflect on Dr. King's dream, their own aspirations, and the importance of what Dr. King means to them.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and legacy, the Napa County Library, Congregation Beth Shalom, CanDo, AAUW - Napa Branch, Napa County Office of Education and League of Women Voters of Napa County are proud to announce the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest.
NJ Department of State
The NJ MLK Commemorative Commission's 2022 Scholarship Essay Contest is open to NJ residents in Grade 12. Applications due by MARCH 18, 2022 AT 5PM. Note funds must be disbursed directly to the school by June 24, 2022. ... How does the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspire you as you think about your future? (100 to 300 words)
Winners of the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest
Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was an American Baptist minister and civil rights activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs. MLK was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, and was ...
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Poster & Essay Contest
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Brookings Human Rights Commission sponsors an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day essay contest for all Brookings County school students in Grades 4-12. Dr. King was a supporter of human rights and freedoms for all citizens. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated on January 15, 2024.
NJ Department of State
NJ MLK Commemorative Commission 2023 'Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere' Scholarship Essay Contest MLK23 SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST IS CLOSED. ... New Jerseyans Reflect on the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in commemoration of his 90th Birthday. NJ Quotes on MLK. Department of State. Office of the Secretary. About ...
MLK essay contest winners share what made their stories stand out
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Brooklyn Reeves is in the fifth grade and Aria Brown is a sophomore in High School. They are two of the three winners behind the MLK essay contest. Out of the dozens of ...
Home
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Educational Contest is hosted by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. Beginning in September, we welcome students to participate in creating art, delivering speeches, and composing essays to honor the life and vision of Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. With the support of a teacher/advisor from their campus, students can choose to participate in any ...
2024 MLK Essay Contest
Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest with prizes for best essays. Open to students who live in El Dorado, Sacramento, Sutter, Placer or Yolo county.
Murphy Shares Winning Essays Of His 5th Annual 'Martin Luther King Jr
HARTFORD—In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Monday the 15 winners of his fifth annual 'Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Essay Contest.'This year, Murphy received close to 2,800 entries from elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut reflecting on Dr. King's dream and their own aspirations.
2022 Winning Essays
Congratulations to the 2022 MLK Essay Contest Winners. We are very pleased to announce the winners of the 9th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest in conjunction with the MLK Celebration event. The essay contest was created to further engage our youth with Dr. King's legacy, his vision, and leadership that inspired a nation. High School.
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Essay Contest.
Posted on: December 27, 2023 - 3:43pm. Stonington students are invited to submit their essays for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. All elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut are invited to participate to help honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by submitting essays that reflect on Dr. King's ...
Murphy Shares Winning Essays of His 7th Annual 'Martin Luther King Jr
HARTFORD—In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Tuesday the 15 winners of his seventh annual 'Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Essay Contest.' This year, Murphy received close to 2,000 entries from elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut reflecting on Dr. King's dream and their own aspirations.
Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission
2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay, Artwork & Poetry Contest Requirements for all entries: Participants must be enrolled in a Kentucky school or home-schooled in Kentucky. The entries should be inspired by this year's theme, "An Unfinished Dream".
Contest
The objective of the K-12 Student Essay/Poetry and Poster contest is to capture Dr. King's legacy in word and art. ASU will host its 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast on January 18, 2024. A highlight of the celebration is the recognition and awards ceremony for Arizona K-12 students who are winners of the statewide ...
Milwaukee students write paths to peace in 2022 MLK Essay Contest
This year marks the 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Essay contest, which began in 1981 as a way to celebrate, remember and continue King's legacy. The essay contest is sponsored by the ...
FFRF awards $19,600 to 2024 college student essay contest winners
FFRF has offered essay competitions to college students since 1979, high school students since 1994, grad students since 2010, one exclusively for students of color since 2016 and a fifth contest for law students since 2019. The winning essays will be reprinted or excerpted in the November issue of Freethought Today, FFRF's newspaper.
Rebroadcast: Can 'colorblindness' lead to equality in America?
martin luther king, jr.: I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character ...