Woonsocket Radio News Room

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission announces annual essay contest

Dec. 2 deadline for submissions

 

STATE HOUSE – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission, chaired by Rep. Nathan W. Biah (D-Dist. 3, Providence), has announced the annual essay contest for the upcoming holiday event.

“Since this is my first year as the commission’s chairman, and as an educator, I am particularly excited to see what our state’s youth have to say regarding the legacy of Dr. King. I encourage all of our students to participate in this year’s contest.  Dr. King’s teachings are profoundly relevant in today’s polarized society, and this contest is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn from Dr. King’s message on how to make our world a better place,” said Representative Biah.

Four winners will be chosen (two middle school students and two high school students) and prizes of $200 will be awarded to the first place entries and a $100 prize will be awarded to the second place entries.  The contest is open to all middle and high school students in Rhode Island.

·         The high school prompt is: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”  Reflect on how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. connected civil rights leaders and everyday people across identities, workplaces, churches, and communities. Explore how Dr. King’s strategy is used or could be used to address an important civil rights issue today.

·         The middle school prompt is: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was especially inspired by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who joined him at several rallies.  Which musicians or artists do you connect to King's legacy of activism, equality, and peace? Quote some of their lyrics and include them in your essay about Dr. King.

The contest rules are as follows:

·         Entries must be from Rhode Island middle or high school students

·         Essays must be typed in the Microsoft Word format and limited to 500-750 (middle school) or 750-1000 words (high school)

·         Essays must include completed parental permission form (attached) and be submitted individually as the original work of only one student

·         Essays and permission forms MUST be electronically submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         The commission reserves the right to promote, publish, and/or distribute any or all entries.

The deadline for applicants is Monday, Dec. 2.

The essay contest flyer can be found here.

The essay contest permission form can be found here.

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