Dec. 15, 2023 -- Students in all grade levels are invited to enter the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay, Poem, and Poster Contest sponsored by the City of Cleveland Heights. Students can submit entries that address the following prompts:
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said the value of compassion and non-violence was that “it helps us to see the enemy’s point of view, to hear his questions, to know his assessment of ourselves. For from his view, we may indeed see the basic weaknesses of our own condition, and if we are mature, we may learn and grow and profit from the wisdom of the brothers who are called the opposition.”
He also said, “We adopt the means of non-violence because our end is a community at peace with itself. We persuade with our words, but if our words fail, we will try to persuade with our acts.”
Essay Prompt
How can you use non-violent activism to create a community that is at peace with itself?
Poetry Prompt
Write a poem imaging how non-violent activism can create a community at peace with itself.
Poster Prompt
Create a poster showing what "peace through non-violent activism” means to you.
Contest winners will be invited to the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony on January 22 to read their poems and essays and explain their posters. Each winning student will receive a certificate and have their photograph taken with the Mayor and City Council.
All entries should be submitted through
this online form by Friday, January 12, 2024.