The Bloomfield DEI Network is raising funds to support awards and an awards ceremony for the inaugural MLK, Jr. Day Contest for Bloomfield Public School students.

This contest is open to all students in grades K-12, Students will react through essay or artistic works to one of the quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The awards ceremony will take place in February.

Submission Guidelines:

All entries must be submitted to the Administration Building by January 31, 2025.

Each entry must include the student's name, grade, and school.

Submission categories are: K-4; 5-8; 9-12

Prizes:

Awards will be given for first, second, and third place in each category (poster and essay).

Winning entries may be displayed at the District Juneteenth Event.

Poster:

Maximum size: 24" x 36"

The quote must be incorporated prominently.

Should creatively depict the meaning of the quote.

Essay:

Maximum word count: 200 words.

Must clearly explain the student's interpretation of the quote.

Must be typed.

Judging Criteria:

Creativity and Originality: How creative and unique is the interpretation of the quote?

Clarity and Communication: How effectively does the project communicate the student's understanding of the quote?

Relevance: How relevant is the project to current social issues and challenges?

Presentation and Craftsmanship: The neatness of the artwork and presentation will be considered. For essays, clarity of writing, and content will be evaluated.

Note:

All entries must be original and created specifically for this contest. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification. The school reserves the right to make any necessary modifications to these rules.

The Quotes:

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." (Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963)- This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of communities and the importance of standing against injustice

"The time is always right to do what is right." (Speech at Oberlin College, 1964)--This metaphor illustrates the necessity of courage as a defense against fear. Just as dikes prevent flooding, personal and collective bravery can protect us from being overwhelmed by fear, enabling us to pursue justice and equality.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is,'What are you doing for others?'" (Speech in Montgomery, Alabama, 1957)- An encouragement to focus on service and the well-being of others.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." (Sermon in Selma, Alabama, 1965)- - A call to action against complacency in the face of social issues.

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." (Sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1967)- This quote emphasizes the transformative power of love over the destructive nature of hate. This perspective aligns with Dr. King's broader philosophy of nonviolence and compassion in the pursuit of civil rights and social justice

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." (Address in Washington D.C., 1968) This quote acknowledges that while we may face temporary setbacks and disappointments ("finite disappointment"), it's crucial to maintain an enduring and limitless optimism ("infinite hope") for the future. Dr. King emphasizes resilience and the importance of hope in overcoming challenges.

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." (Speech in Washington D.C., 1968)-Here, Dr. King conveys that achieving justice may be a prolonged process ("the arc...is long"), but ultimately, the trajectory of history moves toward fairness and righteousness ("it bends toward justice"). This message encourages patience and persistent effort in the pursuit of justice

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." (Strength to Love, 1963) - This quote highlights the power of love and nonviolence in overcoming hatred.

“I have a dream." - From his famous speech, this phrase captures his vision for a future where people are judged by their character rather than their skin color.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. (Speech in Chicago, 1965) also referenced at " Spelman College in the 1960s- A message about the importance of faith and perseverance in uncertainty, encouraging individuals to move forward even without a complete understanding of the path ahead.