The Ohio University Southern Council on Diversity and Cultural Enrichment announce the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest. Ohio University Southern would like to encourage students in grades sixth through 12th to honor the legacy of Dr. King by submitting an essay in his memory.

The theme for the essay is: “King’s Vision of America in the Aftermath of 9/11.”

This fall, the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. will dedicate its memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall in Washington, DC. In the words of its creators, the four-acre site of the memorial “creates a visual line of leadership from the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, to the Jefferson Memorial.”

The memorial commemorates the life and work of Dr. King. As the foundation founders note, “Dr. King championed a movement that draws fully from the deep well of America’s potential for freedom, opportunity, and justice.

His vision of America is captured in his message of hope and possibility for a future anchored in dignity, sensitivity, and mutual respect, a message that challenges each of us to recognize that America’s true strength lies in its diversity of talents” (www.mlkmemorial.org).

This fall marked the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and United Airlines flight 93, which crashed in Stonybrook Township, Pa.

Numerous memorial events commemorate the citizens who lost their lives in these attacks that have forever changed Americans’ concept of freedom and security.

As Americans remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this fall and reflect on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, it may be natural for them to wonder what words of wisdom Dr. King would have shared with us about this American tragedy.

The writing prompt is at the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, consider how Dr. King might have continued to spread his message of hope for America’s future. What specific examples of dignity, sensitivity, and mutual respect might he have challenged us to engage in the aftermath of 9/11? Following King’s leadership, how might we continue to be a nation that celebrates its diversity of talents?

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

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.

Participating students will be invited to be recognized at the Ohio University Southern Community Celebration in Ironton on Jan. 16.

For additional information, including a complete listing of rules and guidelines, please visit Ohio University Southern Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2012 Essay Contest website at: www.southern.ohiou.edu/mlk