IRONTON — The Ohio University Southern Council on Diversity and Cultural Enrichment and the OUS Open Doors student organization are sponsoring the 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest.

School officials are encouraging students to honor the legacy of Dr. King by submitting an essay in his memory.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. often spoke of his goal of the “beloved community” in which all would be respected and the contributions of all honored.

In a July 13, 1966, article in Christian Century Magazine, Dr. King affirmed the ultimate goal inherent in the quest for the beloved community: “I do not think of political power as an end. Neither do I think of economic power as an end. They are ingredients in the objective that we seek in life. And I think that end or that objective is a truly brotherly society, the creation of the beloved community.”

Students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to submit an original essay that draws on their experience to respond to these questions: “What is your vision of the “beloved community”? What are the major obstacles that hinder us from achieving this “beloved community” in 2011? How can those obstacles be addressed?”

Students are asked to study, think critically, and reflect upon Dr. King’s legacy of community.

In order to be considered for the contest, students are required to submit their essay on or before 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 7.

Essays should be submitted to:

Robert Pleasant

Ohio University Southern

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest

1804 Liberty Avenue

Ironton, Ohio 45638

All essays must be typewritten, and double spaced.

Essays will be judged on the author’s knowledge of the following: Dr. King and his work in the civil rights movement; relevancy to theme; originality of ideas and clarity of expression; personal perspective; organization, grammar; and guidelines.

There will be one 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner in two divisions (Grades 6-8 and 9-12). First place winners will receive $100, second place $50 and third place $25.

First place essays will be published in The Tribune and essayists will be invited to be recognized at the Ohio University Southern Community Celebration in Ironton, and Ohio University MLK Brunch in Athens.

For additional information, including a complete listing of rules and guidelines, please visit Ohio University Southern Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2011 Essay Contest website at: www.southern.ohiou.edu/mlk.