Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry & Essay Contest 2026

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Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.

Jan. 20, 2026, marks 39 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the American civil rights icon, was recognized with a federal holiday in his honor on the third Monday in January.

Dr. King was a Baptist minister from Atlanta, Georgia who rose to national prominence leading a non-violent resistance to racial inequality. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968, just five years after he delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Dr. King won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work, and after his death, he won the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977), and Congressional Gold Medal (2003).

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is now nationally observed as a day of service in local communities.

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Contest

We are pleased to introduce Belmont’s Fourth annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry & Essay Contest for youth in grades 3rd-12th who attend all schools in Belmont or Redwood Shores.

Students must submit either a poem or essay. Poems have to be 30 lines maximum, and essays 500 words maximum.

The grade categories are divided into Elementary (3rd-5th grades), Middle school (6th-8th grade), and High School (9th-12th grade.)

The contest accepts written, original work entries, no photos or images included in the submission.

Writing Prompt

WRITE a POEM or SHORT ESSAY that makes use of and responds to the quote in some way. Think about how the quote applies to your own community or personal experiences today and let those thoughts guide your response. Be creative!

2026 Quote "Even Though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream." (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I Have a Dream Speech, 1963)

Contest Rules & Judging Criteria

Entries are required to address the theme. Word limit for poems is 30 lines max and for essays 500 words max.
Entries have to relate to the student's own personal ideas or experiences to the topic and not be a biographical sketch of Dr. King.
No photos or images included in the submission.
All work must be original work.
Entries are judged on the basis of clearly expressed, creative ideas, with an emphasis on clarity, creativity, and originality. Correct usage of basic grammar, structure, and writing skills are also considered.
Finalists in both Poetry & Essay are selected from each grade category and invited to recite and present their piece to the judges at the MLK Awards Ceremony on Thurs. Feb. 26th.
In the final judging, participant's overall expression, understanding and delivery of the poem/essay in their reading will also be considered.

How to Submit Entry

The contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated. Judges will be reviewing all submissions and finalists will be contacted via email by 2/17. Good luck!

Winners and Award Ceremony

18 finalists and their families will be invited to attend our awards ceremony held at Twin Pines Lodge on Thurs. Feb. 26th from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Following the presentation by all finalists, the judges will select six winners and present them with their award and prize. The winners will also be invited to recite their piece at the March City Council meeting.

Prizes

Winners and finalists will receive monetary gift cards.

Deadlines

Contest submissions open Monday, January 5th and close Monday, February 2nd.

2026 Judges

Belmont's Poet Laureate, Greg McCullogh
Robin Pang-Maganaris, Belmont City Councilmember
Lois Fried, San Mateo County Arts Commissioner District 2
Brigitte Shearer, Director of Parks, Recreation, & Culture