Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission

Image

On behalf of the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and the Howard County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, students and community members are invited to participate in several exciting contests.  All contest winners will receive a monetary prize and be listed on the County’s Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) website. Winners will be recognized at the MLK Celebration on January 17, 2027, at Horowitz Center Smith Theatre, located at Howard Community College. 

2027 CONTEST THEME: "Let us build the future through stones of hope."

CONTESTS:

• Oratory Contest: Open to Middle and High School students, this contest challenges participants to write and deliver a speech about how they envision the future they intend to build. Discuss challenges, outcomes, and personal growth.

  Oratory Contest Rules: Submissions must include a video link (YouTube, Google drive, Canva, etc.) of the student performing the speech, a double-spaced typed version of the speech submitted as a PDF file and completed application attached. The speech should clearly reflect the theme's message. Speeches are limited to 2-3 minutes.

• Essay Contest: Also, for Middle and High School students, this competition invites them to articulate their thoughts and reflections about the theme and their plan to make positive changes in themselves, their schools, and their communities. Discuss challenges, outcomes and personal growth.

  Essay Contest Rules: Essays must be typed, single-spaced, 500 words or less, and submitted as a PDF file. 12pt Times New Roman or Arial font. Submissions must include completed application with student's name, address, phone number, school, grade, and email address. The application must also be submitted with each submission. Students with disabilities may submit entries using other media and/or visual presentations.

• Poster Contest: Open to Elementary, Middle, and High School students, the poster contest presents students with the opportunity to create an original piece of artwork that incorporates the theme and illustrates how to use kindness to make positive changes in themselves, schools, and communities.  To submit poster entries, scan or photograph the artwork and email it to mlk@howardcountymd.gov along with your completed application. Please do not send the original artwork. Winners will be notified about sending in the original piece. 

  Poster Contest Rules: Submissions must reflect the approved theme of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration and should visually express Dr. King’s legacy of service, justice, equality, nonviolence, human rights, and/or beloved community. Digital submissions only. To submit poster entries, scan or photograph the artwork and email it to mlk@howardcountymd.gov along with your completed application. Artwork must be the student’s original work; AI-generated or AI-produced works will not be considered. Tracing or copying from photographs or other artists’ works is not allowed. Do not include copyrighted, trademarked, or branded marks, images or phrases.

APPLICATION: All essay, oratory and poster entrees must include an application form.  It must be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is under 18. Click HERE to download a copy.

• The Living the Dream Award: This prestigious honor is open to students, individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to making Howard County a better place, embodying the principles that Dr. King championed. Self-nominations are accepted. The Living the Dream Award comes with a monetary prize and trophy. Click HERE to nominate your candidate online. You may also download a fillable PDF application HERE and email it to us.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND INFORMATION:

All entries must be received by Friday, October 30th, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST

• Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
• For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430 or Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov.

The Commission shall consist of 17 voting members, and at least one nonvoting student member under the age of 19.

Current Vacancies (Updated September 4, 2026)

• Adult Community Representatives (5) 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission meets on the first Wednesday of every month, at 6:00 PM, except in July.  Meetings are open to the public.

January 07, 2026 

February 11, 2026 (Rescheduled from February 4, 2026) 

March 04, 2026

April 01, 2026

May 06, 2026

June 03, 2026

July 25, 2026 (Annual Retreat) 

August 5, 2026

September 02, 2026

October 07, 2026

November 04, 2026

December 02, 2026

• LaKeisha McClendon (she/her), Office of Human Rights and Equity Administrator
• Steph Bertrand (he/him), Executive Secretary
• Gail Tarry (she/her), Recording Secretary