Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest Guidelines
Choose one of the three writing categories.
Submissions should be original, thoughtful, and clearly connected to the contest theme.
Dr. King’s legacy inspires this year’s theme: “BELOVE”
Choose one of the following prompts based on the theme:
1. Poetry
Prompt: What does it mean to “BELOVE” in today's world?
Write an original poem exploring Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Community and its relevance to contemporary society. Consider how love, justice, courage, empathy, or collective action can help bridge divisions and create a more compassionate world.
Your poem may reflect personal experiences, historical perspectives, or aspirations for future generations.
Length: No more than two pages.
2. Open Letter
Prompt: If you could speak directly to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, what would you want him to know about our progress toward becoming a Beloved Community?
Write an open letter to Dr. King reflecting on the current state of our nation or world. Consider the progress we have made toward his vision of equality and justice, the challenges that remain, and the opportunities for future generations to advance his dream.
What would you celebrate? What would concern you? Where do you find hope, and what actions would you encourage others to take?
Length: 300–700 words, using standard MLA formatting.
3. Academic Essay
Prompt: How can Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Community guide our response to contemporary social challenges?
Write an academic essay examining the relevance of Dr. King's philosophy to an important issue facing society today. Explore how individuals, communities, institutions, or organizations are advancing—or could advance—the principles of justice, equality, nonviolence, and collective responsibility.
Support your argument with specific examples, credible evidence, and relevant research. Your essay should demonstrate critical thinking and offer insights into how Dr. King's vision can inform meaningful action.
Length: 300–700 words, using standard MLA formatting, including in-text citations and Works Cited page.
Submission Requirements
• Select one of the three writing categories: Poetry, Open Letter, or Academic Essay.
• Submit original work that addresses the 2027 theme, “BELOVE.”
• Authentic human writing is required. The use of generative AI is prohibited.
• Follow the specified page or word limits for your selected category.
• Submit your work electronically, preferably as a Microsoft Word document (.docx).
• Include the required contest cover page with your submission.
• Email your submission and cover page to oiee@govst.edu by Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Contest Recognition and Awards
Awards: 1st Place $250 | 2nd Place $150 | 3rd Place $100
Winning entries will be announced and recognized during GovState's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Thursday, January 21, 2027.
Award recipients will have the opportunity to read their winning submissions as part of the celebration program, sharing their voices, perspectives, and reflections on Dr. King's enduring legacy with the university community.
Winning submissions will also be shared in print with event attendees. Participants must grant permission for their work to be reproduced and distributed by indicating their consent on the required cover page.
Important: Award recipients will be notified in advance and are expected to attend the celebration to receive their awards and participate in the program.
The MLK Writing Scholarships are generously sponsored by Dr. Rashidah Muhammad.