The Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Task Force Committee is accepting submissions for the
2007 MLK Essay Contest. The contest is open to all Southfield and
Lathrup Village elementary (grades three and up), middle and high
school students. This year's theme: "Why is a National Monument
Dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Important?"
A $200 U.S.
Savings Bond will be awarded to one elementary, middle and high school
student. Winning essays will also be published in the 2007 MLK Peace
Walk Program Book. Each essay must contain the student's name, school,
home address, phone number, and current grade on the front page or
cover sheet. Middle and high school entries must be typed in a 12-point
font, double-spaced on white 8.5''x11'' paper; elementary school
entries may be handwritten. Essays will be judged on creativity,
clarity, content and adherence to the theme. Essays are limited to a
maximum length of 250 words; one entry per student. All essays most be
postmarked by Thursday, December 21, 2006. Entries should be mailed to:
Walter Bentley, III, 23803 Hazen Street, Southfield, MI 48034. Entries
may also be e-mailed as an attachment in Microsoft Word to:
mlkjressays@yahoo.com.
Southfield was the
first city in the state of Michigan to hold a Dr. King peace walk or
march. The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk took place on
January 20, 1986, commemorating the first national observance of Dr.
King's birthday. The walk continues to grow in size and scope each year
with year-long educational and community activities. The 2007 MLK Peace
Walk Celebration will be on Monday, January 15 beginning at Hope United
Methodist Church at 9 a.m., followed by a program at the Southfield
Pavilion at 11:30 a.m.
For more information, contact Walter Bentley, Essay Committee Chair, at (313) 585-5236.