A DREAM FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Students to read their winning Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Essays

Can a dream really change lives? Or a community?

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech has inspired millions to dream of a brighter future for their neighborhoods, cities and our world. 

Now, children and teenagers from the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area will share their hopes and dreams on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 16th, 2012.

The winners of the MLK Day Essay Contest will read their winning compositions to family and friends at 10:00 a.m. at United Way of the Midlands, 1805 Harney Street. The theme: “My dream for our community.”

Local students submitted their essays in four grade categories: 1st through 3rd Grade, 4th through 6th, Middle School and High School. Community volunteers are judging the entries, and the winners will be notified in advance of the January 16th event. In addition to reading their essay next Monday, they will receive a $75 prize.  Second and third place authors will receive $50 and $25 respectively.  All participants will receive a certificate of participation.  The winning essays will be published on United Way’s website after noon on January 16.

The essays will also be available on the City of Omaha’s “Get on the Bus” traveling MLK memorial from January 16 - 18. Information and displays on an Omaha Metro bus will promote literacy, nutrition, nonviolent change and Omaha’s past civil rights leaders. The bus will visit various sites that have MLK events. The project is a collaboration of United Way, Omaha Serves, Empowerment Network, Family Housing Advisory Services, Hunger Free Heartland, Literacy Center of the Midlands and the South Omaha Community Care Council.

** Limited parking for the essay reading event on January 16th will be available in the A.C.Nelsen Center parking lot at 19th & Howard Street.  Metered street parking should be available for free on this federal holiday.