2012-2013 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ESSAY AND ORATORICAL CONTEST Rules/Topics In conjunction with Vanderbilt University’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Series, young people from Nashville and surrounding communities have the opportunity to submit entries that celebrate his life and legacy. Contestants will compete for prizes and the chance to recite their work at the Annual MLK keynote lecture on the evening of January 21th, 2013. This year’s theme for Vanderbilt’s MLK Celebration is: “The Presence of Justice: Bursting the Silent Bubbles” This theme is derived from a speech made by the Rev. Dr. King in 1955, in which he stated the following: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.” This theme thus speaks to our bursting those bubbles which divide us as a people, a nation, and a world, as well as our “bursting bubbles” of ignorance or callousness in the face of someone else’s poverty, distress, or need.
Rules& Each student may present an essay, poem, or spoken word/rap lyrics for committee approval. Essays must be from 300-700 words. Poems and spoken word lyrics must be at least 20 lines. Submissions are read and ranked by a committee comprised of Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff. All entries must be typed, doublespaced, with one-inch margins, and using a 12-point font in “Times New Roman.” Please type your name and grade level in the upper left corner of each page.
Topics& Grades 6-8 (Choose one of the two) •Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “the only road to freedom” is nonviolence. What are some ways Dr. King, and the Civil Rights movement resolved conflict without being violent? Describe how you, and your peers, can work to bring more peace and justice to your surroundings, whether your school, community, or other area. •Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is most remembered for his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. Starting with those same words, what are your hopes and dreams for the future of our world and its people? Grades 9-12 (Choose one of the two) •Prof. Michelle Alexander, law professor and noted author, will give the keynote address at Vanderbilt University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration. The theme is “The Presence of Justice: Bursting the Silent Bubbles.” In an essay or poem, write about how we as a society, or you as an individual, can work to “burst bubbles” of ignorance that divide groups of people from one another. •What needs to change in America and/or the world in order for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to be realized? Focus on one thing you think should be changed and explain why and how making that change will help our country, or our world, better adopt Dr. King’s “dream.” Please mail, fax, or email your application and submitted work by Monday, December 10, 2012 to: MLK Commemorative Essay Contest Attn: Mr. Jeff King Jeff.s.king@vanderbilt.edu Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center Vanderbilt University 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37235 Phone: 615.322-2524 Fax: 615.343-4215
2012-2013 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ESSAY AND ORATORICAL CONTEST Application Student&Information&(Please&print&clearly&or&type) Date: ____________________
Last Name _______________________________________
Grade ________
First ____________________________________ MI ______
School ___________________________________________________________________
Home Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Email Address _________________________________________________
Phone ________________________________ (Circle one) Home Cellular Other
Sponsor&Information& *Sponsor Information School/ Program Name ___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number School/Program Address __________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Sponsor Name (Print) ____________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsor Email Address ___________________________________________________________________________________ Sponsor Signature ________________________________________________
Date _________________________________
* Sponsor must be a teacher, counselor, minister, school administrator, community leader, or program administrator who is NOT a family member.
Deadline for submission is Monday, December 10, 2012
Parent/Guardian&Information& &
Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Relationship to Student Address (if different from above) ___________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Parent Email address ___________________________________________
Phone ________________________________ (Circle one) Home Cellular Other
Parent&Consent&Signature&(Please&read&before&signing)& I hereby consent and allow my student to participate in the 2012-2013 Vanderbilt University MLK Essay and Oratorical Contest. I understand by granting permission my student will submit an essay to the MLK Essay Committee. If selected my student will receive a cash prize award and recite their essay at the 2013 MLK Commemorative Keynote Address at 6:30PM on Monday, January 21, 2013. I further understand that if selected my student’s essay and personal photo headshot will be published on the official Vanderbilt University MLK website and later in a printed publication highlighting the best essays or poems from this current year’s competition. Parent/Guardian Signature_______________________________________________________________________________ Date