Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest Winners

Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity

Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, "With this faith, we will be able to hew out the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." There are numerous interpretations as to what this pivotal statement could mean. For many, including myself, it represents how people should remain optimistic in the face of adversity, because if not, hate will win. Remaining optimistic in the face of adversity is a powerful trait to have, but there is nothing more powerful than a group of people remaining optimistic for change against a common oppressor. Black Lives Matter, the LGBTQ+ community, and those involved in the women's suffrage movement are all perfect examples.

The Black Lives Matter movement was established around 2013 as a tool to spread the story of numerous injustices. The deaths ofBreonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, and George Floyd are just a few among the dreadfully long list of many other unjustifiable stories. Any person who watched the news in 2020 heard the name of this community and how they were fighting for equality and justice. No matter how many times the group was threatened and wrongfully criticized, they persisted, inspiring millions around them to do the same. In the face of adversity, their "stone of hope" remained.

The fight for same sex marriage spiked in the LGBTQ+ community around the late 1980s. The LGBTQ+ community was confronted with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which was signed into law in 1996, meaning that marriage between a man and woman was the only legal union sanctioned by the government. According to the Human Rights Campaign, this law made it possible for all 50 states to deny same sex marriage. This was daunting to the LGBTQ+ community, making numerous individuals feel like their identity was not valued in their own country. After more than a decade and numerous protests later, President Obama declared the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional; this was astronomically important for marriage equality. On June 26th, 2015, same sex marriage was legalized in all fifty states, paving the way for the future generations in the LGBTQ+ community, including myself. Against mountains of bigotry, The LGBTQ+ Community held onto their "stone of hope."

Only a little more than a century ago, women in the United States did not have the right to vote, thus creating the need for the Women's Suffrage Movement. According to the Constitution Center, during the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson in 1913, thousands of women came together in protest, bringing attention to the problem on national news. After years of trying, the 19th Amendment was passed, making it unconstitutional to deny women their right to vote. As a result of these powerful women holding onto their "stone of hope" against the patriarchy, they shamelessly broke numerous barriers, changing the lives of women in The United States for centuries to come.

If a person remains optimistic against an oppressive force, change is inevitable. The Black Lives Matter Movement, the LGBTQ+ community, and the women's suffrage movement are perfect examples of this. The changes they made for their future generations were undoubtedly substantial. If there is one common thing I can point out about these influential communities, it is that they used their "stone of hope" to move mountains of hate, and that should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Love Overpowers Hate

The fire that brings on the hate of the world can only be doused out by love and light from those who wish to make the change. Hate is the leading cause of the discrimination that is shown around the world. People who make the most change are the ones who possess the love that the world needs. Hate is taught by those who are blinded by society's prejudiced ways. To be able to change the world for the better, people must show love and light. This notion is reinforced by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when he said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Discrimination is often brought on by the hate of those who don't like when others are different from them. This is often brought on with race, sexuality, religion, and various other reasons. With the help of social media, acts of discrimination get elevated and shown to people all around the world. With that thought, some may think that may diminish any lingering discrimination in the world, but it only makes it worse. While it does bring awareness to the issue, it makes situations like the protests with Black Lives Matter (BLM) turn from peaceful to conflict quickly. BLM is a factor in recent discrimination, but back when Jim Crow laws were a thing, discrimination was an everyday thing. African Americans were discriminated against to the point where they had separate schools, parts of town, and seating areas in restaurants. Hate is something that can blind people into thinking that discrimination is an okay thing to do.

Change is something that the world needs, but the practices used to do so are not filled with love. Social media influencers constantly make posts about how they "helped" a homeless person in need. They'll give them food or buy them clothes not out of the kindness of their hearts, but just to make social media posts to their fans. If they truly wanted to give to a person in need, then they could have done it without needing to post about it. Also, love would change the outcomes of war. It could stop a war before it began, and it could stop a war from continuing. While change isn't easy, it could help with any problem around the world if hate would change into love.

Hating an individual is something that doesn't come from nowhere; it's taught from a young age. If an adult or child were to hate someone based on their race, sexuality, looks, and money, it's more likely that they were taught that from their parents. Hate being taught is another thing that causes discrimination, and it's the reason why so many people judge others based on looks. A parent may say something that is extremely hateful and not realize that their child is hearing everything that they say, but there is also the parent that knows that their child is listening and tell them what they hate about the people around the world. If hate can be taught at a young age, so can love. Hate doesn't come from nowhere, neither does love; both are taught at young ages and both are what control how a person acts to others situations.

Love is something that is truly needed in the world. While it may not seem like it, doing something out of love is easier than doing something out of hatefulness. Hate is what causes discrimination, what causes no change to be made in the world, and it is taught by those who were blinded by the hate that they were taught as a child. Hate is something that can be diminished, using love and light to truly help those in need, and not to discriminate against anyone is something that needs to be taught more than hate. If stories say that love overpowers anything that may stand against it, then it can be taught to overpower hate.

Drum Majors for Justice

"I was a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness." This was a powerful quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that inspired many people to be leaders in the fight for justice. This quote was delivered in a sermon called "The Drum Major Instinct" in 1968. Within the sermon, he emphasized the importance of using your desire to lead and be recognized in a positive way and use it to fight for what is right justice, peace, and righteousness. Anybody can be a leader; it is your choice as to how you choose to use your leadership.

One way to be a good leader is to be an advocate for noble and worthy causes. This would mean standing up for what you believe in and justice, equality, and positive change. Many people may not realize it, but there is always someone listening to the words we say and the way that we act. It is important to make sure that you are using this in a positive way and setting the standard for others to follow. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a great example of a good leader. He demonstrated leadership through peaceful protests, powerful speeches, and his commitment to nonviolence. Today, more than 50 years later, he continues to inspire generations to strive for positive change and to be a light in the world.

Another way to be a great leader is to be a positive role model inside your own school. This is something that everyone is capable of doing, even if you don't think you can. Nobody expects you to be the president of the United States; the least you can do is be a positive role model in school. As a leader in your school, you will have many opportunities to inspire others, whether it's through organizing events, leading clubs, or just being a good friend to someone. Being a good role model encourages others to exert the same amount of kindness and excellence that you spread. Small acts of kindness, like lending a helping hand or standing up for a student against a school bully, are all ways to create ripple effects throughout the school community.

Lastly, if you see something wrong happening on any scale, speak up about it. An incredibly important act of leadership is seeing something happening and taking a stand for what's right and putting a stop to it. This is something that, during the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., strived to encourage and inspire others to work for. He saw the injustices African Americans were facing and he could not just sit and watch it happen; he decided to take a stand. Just like Dr. King's, your actions alone can change and help create a safer and better environment for everyone. This can create a chain reaction of courage and compassion and shows others that they could make a difference too.

In conclusion, anyone has the ability to be a leader, regardless of background, age, or position. Being a leader comes down to the choices you make and how we choose to use our words and actions. Leadership is not limited to a specific role or title; anyone can achieve this, whether it is in communities, schools, and beyond that. Dr. King showed us the importance of determination and using his leadership to promote justice. Today, he still inspires so many.

The Ultimate Measure

In moments of comfort, we often reside
but true worth is found when challenges collide.
Not in ease and convenience, our measure is clear,
But in trials and turmoil, our values appear.

When storms of controversy test our resolve,
it is then we discover the depth of our soul.
For a man's character shines through the haze,
In the crucible of challenge, in so many ways.

In the quiet moments of serenity, we often find solace and rest,
but it's when life's tempests rage that we're truly put to the test.
It's easy to be strong when we have no struggle and the path is smooth.
It's in the face of affliction that we prove our strength, our truth.

The ultimate measure, as MLK once did say,
Is not where we are when our skies are clear,
But in times of adversity, where we make our stand,
That's where the true strength of a person is grand.

Challenges can be like a refining fire, forging
character in the heat. They reveal our resilience,
our values, and the people we choose to meet.
In the depths of struggle, when the road seems long and steep,
That's when our true essence emerges from the shadows, deep.

So let us remember, in moments both dark and bright,
our worth is determined by our actions in the fight.
for in times of challenge, in moments of strife,
We reveal the true essence of a meaningful life.

In Remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Imagine a life with segregation. Segregation is the action of separating people, historically on the basis of race and/or gender. Martin Luther King Jr. was a big part in trying to stop segregation and unite the country. Dr. King said this in his Strength and Love speech on August 28,1963, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." This means violence does not get rid of violence. Only light can get rid of darkness. Matthew 5 :43-45 says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven."

First, the Bible tells us, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1 :5) and, "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). This means light in a dark room is always shining and nothing can stop it. The only thing that can happen is the light spreads. If we, the people, will act like a burning candle, the world would be a better place.

Second, love is very powerful. When a person loves someone it means more than a friendship. Love is respect, loyalty, patience, trust, passion, connecting, and being there for each other. When Dr. King said his words about love he intended for it to mean that if we hate someone we are not going to make them nicer, but by loving them they will begin to show love by their actions. An example of this is when the coronavirus hit almost four years ago. The Covid 19 pandemic caused 1.2 million deaths and 6.6 million hospitalizations in the United States. During this time, many people stepped up to assist others. The hospital staff worked extra hours. They showed their light by risking their lives to save others and love spread like a wildfire.

Lastly, spreading kindness is a form of love. A few ways to spread love and kindness is

by giving back to the community, helping the poor, and even something as simple as holding the door open for someone. This year my family and I participated in a community outreach event organized by our church called Joy in a Box. This is when you buy Christmas presents for a needy child. My family and others shined our lights by spreading the Christmas spirit.

In conclusion, Dr. King spoke brave words of truth. He fought for his rights and others by spreading kindness and shining his light. Martin Luther King Jr. brought many people together by his words and messages of love. Despite his efforts, people are still treated unfairly today. Therefore, every year on January 15th, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s actual birthday, we should remember and honor all of the values he tried to instill in America. We need to listen to Dr. King's words and strive to shine our light brightly to the world in order to drive out hate and darkness.

Echoes of Equality

"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in."

In a world of chaos and strife,
Where problems seem to rule our life,
We tum to Martin's words so wise,
To find hope and realize.

"Make a career of humanity,"
He said, with passion and clarity,
Commit to the noble struggle for rights,
And watch as darkness turns to light.

Today's problems may seem vast,
But with determination, they won't last,
We must stand up for what is right,
And fight for equal rights with all our might.

In this journey, we'll find our way,
Becoming better people every day,
By embracing love and showing care,
We'll create a nation that's fair and rare.

A greater nation we can build,
Where unity and justice are fulfilled,
By breaking down walls that divide,
We'll create a country where all can thrive.

And as we work towards this goal,
A finer world will start to unfold,
With compassion and understanding as our guide, 
We'll make this world a better place to reside.

So let us heed Martin's call,
To rise above and stand tall,
To make a career of humanity,
And shape a future of true unity.

For in this struggle, we will find, 
A better person, a noble mind,
A greater nation, strong and true, 
And a finer world for me and you.