Martin Luther King, Jr.
Humanitarian Essay Contest
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Essay Contest, sponsored by The Center
for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education (CREDE) at Elon University, promotes
Dr. King’s vision for a more humane society. The essay contest utilizes one of
Martin Luther King’s most powerful communication methods, the written word, to
demonstrate the value of the contributions of one person.
This year’s theme, “Why We Can’t Wait Now.” gives young scholars the
opportunity to articulate how involvement in their schools and communities
support Dr. King’s legacy of peace, equity, and social justice.
The contest is open to all middle school students currently enrolled in private,
public and charter schools. Winners will be recognized at the annual Martin Luther
King, Jr. Commemorative College Coffee on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Elon
University at 12:00pm
*All applications and essays must be postmarked
by December 4, 2015*
Questions? Please contact the CREDE at 336-278-7243
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Humanitarian Essay Contest
Essay Question
6th Graders – In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. asserted that African Americans should no longer
wait to demand equality. Race relations still remain a prominent issue in the United States today.
Write a blog post explaining what steps young people could take to improve race relations in the
United States
7th Graders- In his 1957 speech, “A Look to the Future,” Martin Luther King Jr. said, “As a race we
must struggle passionately and unrelentingly to the goal of justice, but we must be sure that our
hands are clean in the struggle.” Write a letter to a local politician about an injustice in your
community and include recommendations for how it can be resolved.
8th Graders - In his speech, “A Look to the Future,” Martin Luther King, Jr. made the following
observations: “There have been at least three distinct periods in the history of race relations in this
nation, each representing growth over a former period. It is interesting to note that in each period
there finally came a decision from the Supreme Court to give legal and constitutional validity to the
dominant thought patterns of that particular period.” After reading “A Look to the Future,” write an
essay in which you describe the current period of race relations and what law you would present to
the Supreme Court to address it.
Essay Criteria
Double-spaced, typed or printed, and no more than two (2) pages. Submitted essay must be 250-500
words and postmarked no later than December 4, 2015.
Please mail or email (from your personal account) your essay and attached application to:
Assistant Director Jamie Butler
The Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education
2985 Campus Box
Elon, NC 27244
elonmlk@gmail.com
Notification of Results
All participants will be notified of their results via letter, which will be mailed by January 8, 2015.
Prizes
Each winner will receive a prize of $100, Elon Phoenix paraphernalia, and complimentary tickets to
an Elon home basketball game. The winner, their family, and school representative will also be
invited to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative College Coffee Program on Tuesday,
January 19, 2015 at 12:00pm at Elon University.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Humanitarian Essay Contest
Application
(Please Print)
Full Name _____________________________
Grade Level (circle one) 6
7
8
Address
______________________________________________________________________
Street
Apt.
______________________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Home Number _____________________ Cell Number__________________________
E-mail Address _________________________
Name of Parents/Guardians
______________________________________________________________________
School Name __________________________________________________________
School Phone Number _________________________
School Address
_____________________________________________________________________
Street
City
State
Zip
Name of School Official
_____________________________________________________________________
(Circle one) Principal
Teacher
Guidance Counselor