As we approach the Crispus Attucks Community Center’s 37th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on January 20, 2025, we invite all students to participate in the MLK Writing Contest! This is your chance to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and share your voice with the community.
Three winners will be selected—one from each school level (Elementary, Middle, and High)—and will receive tickets to attend the breakfast, along with the incredible opportunity to share their essay with attendees and have their essay published in the newspaper and online.
This year’s theme, Unity in Diversity: Our Single Garment of Destiny, draws from Dr. King’s powerful Nobel Prize acceptance speech. As we gather to honor his legacy, we’ll also look toward the future, thinking about how we can continue the fight for equity and justice. Your words can inspire others to keep working toward the world Dr. King envisioned—a world where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated.
We’re excited to hear how you interpret this theme and how your unique perspective can contribute to the dialogue on unity in our community. The breakfast will feature performances, youth writing, and the presentation of meaningful awards, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.
How to Enter:
- Write your essay on the theme Unity in Diversity: Our Single Garment of Destiny
- Deadline for submission is Friday, December 13, 2024. Email all submissions to marketing@caplanc.org
Winners will be recognized at the breakfast, where you’ll also have the chance to hear from Ijeoma Oluo, acclaimed author and activist, who will share her thoughts on Dr. King’s enduring impact and the continued fight for equity and justice.
This contest is a chance to be part of something bigger. By participating, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the values of justice, equality, and unity, while gaining a platform to share your thoughts and inspire others. Winning essays will not only be celebrated at the breakfast but will also contribute to the ongoing conversation about how we can all work together to make our world a better place for everyone.
About the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast is a time for the community to come together, to foster relationships, to dialogue around the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to confront issues of inequity and injustice.This year’s theme, “Unity in Diversity: Our Single Garment of Destiny,” draws inspiration from Dr. King’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech. Recognizing that this year’s breakfast falls on Inauguration Day, the theme of unity feels particularly urgent as we reflect on the divisions facing our nation. It serves as a poignant reminder that our collective strength lies in our diversity, and our diverse backgrounds and experiences are a gift that when seen, recognized, and celebrated can propel our community forward.
We are thrilled to welcome acclaimed author and activist Ijeoma Oluo as the keynote speaker. Known for her influential insights on race and social justice, Ms. Oluo will share her thoughts on Dr. King’s enduring impact and the continued fight for equity and justice. As we gather to honor Dr. King’s legacy, we will take time to reflect on the progress still needed to achieve the ideals he preached.
The event will feature vibrant performances, inspiring youth writing, and the presentation of the Essence of Humanity, Ruby Payne Cook, and Crispus Attucks Legacy awards, along with time for community connection and fellowship.
As Crispus Attucks largest fundraiser, this event raises nearly 1/3 of its annual operating budget. All proceeds will directly support programs and initiatives at the Crispus Attucks Community Center, ensuring that we can continue to serve as a critical resource for our neighbors while creating an equitable future for everyone. Join us in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while uniting in a shared commitment to justice, equity, and community building.