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Are you an emerging leader who seeks to make the world a better place through activism geared toward
positive change? Do you want to share your views on moral leadership, human rights and social justice?

We invite you to participate in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Essay Contest.
If chosen, your essay will be presented orally in person at:

35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration 
with Cuyahoga Community College on
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, 8 a.m.
at 51����

A committee will review essays and select two for presentation. Presenters will receive $150 in Viking Dollars, assorted 51���� items and be featured at the celebration event.

To be considered, you must:

• Be a current 51���� student enrolled in Fall 2025 courses;
• Submit a typed, double-spaced essay (no more than two pages) in 12-point Times New Roman font that demonstrates how the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote, “The time is always right to do what is right” inspires you to create positive social change in areas such as economics, education, employment, equity, health, housing, safety and/or voter engagement. Be sure to clearly convey how your vision connects with the moral leadership and legacy of social justice and human rights demonstrated by Dr. King.
• Submit your essay by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26 to the Center for Campus Engagement at cce@csuohio.edu using "MLK Essay" as the subject line of your email.
• Submit a short, one paragraph bio and a color headshot photo along with  your essay. (If selected to orally present, the bio and photo will be used in the printed program.)
• Be willing to publicly present your essay as a three- to five-minute speech at the breakfast celebration honoring Dr. King on Monday, Jan. 19.

Questions?

Contact the Center for Campus Engagement at cce@csuohio.edu