Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Essay Contest 2026 Submission Form Logo

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Essay Contest 2026 Submission Form

    Sponsored by the Somerville Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Department of Racial and Social Justice

  • In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, the Somerville Human Rights Commission invites high school students in Somerville to submit a 250-word essay in response to one of the prompts listed below. 

    Members of the HRC will select two winners from the pool of high school student participants.

    Each winner will receive free tuition for an online human rights course. The course could be valuable to any high school student (great for professional development and setting you apart for future opportunities, whether it be work or college applications, etc.)

    All submissions must be submitted by Monday, January 12th at 5:00 P.M. 

    Winners will be announced at the City’s MLK Day Celebration on Saturday, January 17th, starting at 11am at Somerville High School.

  • Essays may be written on any one of the following prompts:

  • Option 1: Dr. King and/or Other Civil Rights Leaders

    • Dr. King was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement alongside other influential civil rights leaders — such as John Lewis or Claudette Colvin or Jo Ann Robinson — who were also instrumental in the fight to dismantle segregation in the United States. Reflect on Dr. King and another leader of your choice, whose work reflects courage, justice, and sustained commitment to social change. You may also reflect on how the selected leader has inspired you personally.

    Option 2: Building the Beloved Community

    • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the idea of “Beloved Community,” a society rooted in justice and equal opportunity for all its members. He worked towards the vision of a “Beloved Community” through a variety of nonviolent campaigns, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, intended to advance civil and human rights. Where do you see evidence of people around you building the Beloved Community? How are people around you, such as teachers, parents, business leaders or others working towards this community? 
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  • The City of Somerville wants to ensure residents and guests can access City programs, activities, and meetings. Persons with disabilities should contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov to make requests for services, including:

    • Services for communication (i.e., CART, ASL).
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    • Reasonable modifications in policies and procedures.
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