October 9, 2020
Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Howard County Government, 202-277-9412
Yolanda F. Sonnier, Administrator, Office of Human Rights, 410-313-6430
Commission seeks nominations for annual “Living the Dream” Award and student entrants for 2020 essay, oratory and poster contests; deadline is October 30th
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is seeking nominations for its annual “Living the Dream” Award and student entrants for its 2020 essay, oratory and poster contests. The deadline for award nominations and contest entrees is 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 30th.
“This year, our youth have come together to continue the fight for civil rights and racial justice, following in the footsteps of those generations prior, including the late Representative Elijah Cummings and Representative John Lewis,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “The ‘Living the Dream’ award and contests are an incredible way to honor the legacy and work of Dr. King and remind us why we must not grow weary in our efforts to fight for the change we seek.”
The annual “Living the Dream” Award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations (community, civic or religious) that promote the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through community involvement in Howard County. For eligibility and nomination requirements and for details on how to submit your nomination, visit the Office of Human Rights “Contest and Awards” website.
In addition to its “Living the Dream” award, the Commission is also seeking entries from Howard County students for its essay, oratory and poster contests. For its three contests, the Commission is calling upon students to reflect upon Dr. King’s statement, and this year’s contest theme, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” For the essay and oratory contests, middle and high school students must discuss a time when they took a stand against injustice and the impact of their actions. For the essay contest, students with disabilities may submit entries using other media and/or visual presentation. For the poster contest, elementary school students must compose an original piece of artwork using a medium of their choosing that shows their interpretation of this year’s theme.
For complete essay, oratory and poster contest rules and details on how to submit your entry and application, visit the Office of Human Rights “Contest and Awards” website. Contest winners will receive a cash prize, be featured in HopeWorks’ magazine Cultivate and listed on the Commission’s website.
“Living the Dream” Award and contests winners will be announced and prizes presented at the Commission’s annual celebration on Sunday, January 17, 2021; location to be announced.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission was established in 1985 to encourage and coordinate appropriate activities and ceremonies throughout Howard County to honor the birthday, ideals and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, the Commission provides assistance to local government and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday honoring the birthday of the late Dr. King.
For more information about the “Living the Dream” award, Student Essay, Poster and Oratory contest, visit of Office of Human Rights “Contest and Awards” website or contact the Office at (410) 313-6430 or email mlk@howardcountymd.gov.