Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Announces 2008 Martin Luther King Essay Competition

December 13, 2007

On January 21, 2008 the United States will observe a National Holiday celebrating the birth of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  As a Civil Rights activist, Dr. King championed principles of human dignity in his native United States and around the world.  To honor him and to strengthen public understanding of his impact in both the United States and The Bahamas, the U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that for the second consecutive year it will sponsor an essay competition.

This year's competition seeks to stimulate constructive discussion among Bahamian youth on responses to crime and violence, and evoke their thoughts and suggestions on how to address these challenges, drawing from the teachings and experience of Dr. King.

The competition is open to students in grades 10 – 12 in public and private schools in New Providence and the Family Islands.

The parameters for the competition are as follows:

In his last address to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference entitled, "Where Do We Go From Here," Dr. King stated:

"I am concerned about a better world.  I'm concerned about justice. I'm concerned about truth.  And when one is concerned about these, he can never advocate violence.  For through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can't murder murder.  Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can't establish truth.  Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't murder hate.  Darkness cannot put out darkness.  Only light can do that."

Reflecting on this quote and using Dr. King’s principles and teachings, students are asked to select ONE of the following essay topics:

(1)    Apply Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy of non-violence to address crime In The Bahamas
(2)    Dr. Martin Luther King preached non-violence and conflict resolution:  How would you apply his teachings to address crime in The Bahamas
(3)    Many believe that the criminal justice system in The Bahamas needs revision to adequately address crime in the country.  Reflecting on Dr. King’s principles and teachings, what would you recommend?

Prizes will be awarded to 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd,    4^th place winners and will be announced on January 21, 2008, Dr. Martin Luther King day.

Essay criteria:

            (a) 750 – 1000 words typewritten double-spaced

            (b) Originality

            (c) Clarity of thought and organization

            (d) Grammar and spelling

Applicants are asked to provide the Committee with their full name, telephone contact, e-mail and mailing addresses.  The applicant’s name should appear on each page.  All pages should be numbered.  Applicants will be required to append a signed statement to the end of the essay attesting that it represents their original work. 

Essays may be forwarded to one of the following addresses to be received on or before 12:00 noon Thursday, January 10, 2008

            (1)  MLKessay@state.gov

            (2)  Martin Luther King Essay Committee; U.S. Embassy; P.O. Box N-8197

            (3)  Facsimile:  242-328-3495