2015 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest

The Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights, the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, Minneapolis City Council, and Mayor Betsy Hodges are pleased to present the 2015 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest.

This contest is open to all students who attend schools in Minneapolis who are in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.

Completed essays should be returned no later than Monday January 19th, 2015.

The topic for this year’s contest is:

“Jokes or comments are commonly made, both accidentally and intentionally, at the expense of certain groups of people. Some individuals and organized groups actively work to stop hurtful speech. What could you do to stop these stereotypical/hurtful comments?

Provide at least 2 specific examples of how language results in the violation of or protection of human rights. Be sure to identify the message, who it is from, who it affects and how it affects them. Reference the United States’ Constitution, the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights or the United States Bill of Rights in your answer.”

Essays may be from one to three pages in length and address the selected topic.

Completed entry forms with parent’s signature  must be attached to the back of the essay. The entry form is attached, or it can be found at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/civilrights/commission/civil-rights_commission_announcements

The contest winners will receive a gift card to be awarded at a ceremony before the Minneapolis City Council in the spring of 2015.

First Place $ 300.00
Second Place $ 200.00
Third Place $ 100.00

There will be a reception after the award ceremony to honor the winners. Teachers, parents, educators and others are invited to attend. Students will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights members, Minneapolis City Council members and Mayor Hodges. Interviews may be requested by the media. The first place winners will have an opportunity to read a portion of their essay at the awards ceremony.

Completed Essays should be returned no later than Monday January 19th, 2015 to:

Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights
Attention: Lee Zutz, MCCR Liaison
350 South 5th Street, Room 239
Minneapolis, MN 55415
mccr@minneapolismn.gov

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