A local museum has been chosen to host an essay contest for high-schoolers in regards to the life and works of Martin Luther King, Jr., but it's about more than just the prize money.
The National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia was chosen late last year to be the hosts of this contest due to its contributions to society and the work they've done year in and year out. Entrants are asked to watch the movie Selma, and submit a speech and video as a response to a prompt regarding King's story in the film and how they personalize his life's story.
The contest was the brainchild of the John Templeton Foundation, who partnered with Paramount Pictures on the project, according to Peggy Sweeney, Director of Development for the museum.
Among a star-studded judging panel is Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning hip-hop artist Common, who starred in Selma. Common joins Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, Shiza Shahid, Van Jones, Xavier de Sousa Briggs, and Douglas O. Tozour.
"At the awards shows, Common talked so beautifully about civil rights and the issues we see today," said Sweeney. "He is a great example of what can be accomplished in a creative democracy."
In the film, Common plays James Bevel, a leader in the 1960's Civil Rights Movement. Bevel and King joined hands with other civil rights activists and walked peacefully across the Edmund Pettus Brudge and helped to bring about change in a non-violent manner in the famous Selma to Montgomery march.
It is this leadership that the museum is hoping to cultivate in young minds all across the country.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
"In particular, we hope to inspire the next generation to become empowered, contributing, and caring citizens," said Sweeney.
According to a press release, the top prize in this contest is $5,000, but there will be 10 prizes given away, and the top 3 finalists will be flown to Philadelphia for a two day awards ceremony in mid-April.
All students enrolled in high school in the United States and its territories are encouraged to enter the contest. The deadline for submissions is February 15th. More information about the National Liberty Museum and the contest itself can be found here.
As of right now, Sweeney said, they have received over 150 entries, but that number is increasing faster and faster every day.
The contest has truly become a nationwide event. The museum has received submissions from 30 states, including California, Texas, and Georgia, where King once entered and won a speech contest very similar to this one. The ideas he focused on in this speech were inspiration for his "I Have a Dream" speech.
"The film really inspires young people to take a stand, to contribute and keep liberty strong in our country in constructive ways," Sweeney said. "We hope that our future leaders realize the power of their words and will use them to make a positive difference moving forward."
