MLK Essay Contest Winners Announced

IBE Announces Winners of MLK Essay Contest and Awards Three Middle School Students US Savings Bonds

INDIANAPOLIS – After reviewing 313 essays submitted by middle and junior high school students from across the state, Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) announced today the winners of its 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest. They are:

1st Place: Jenesis Gayden, 7th Grade Guion Creek Middle School, Indianapolis

2nd Place: Erin Scott, 7th Grade Creekside Middle School, Carmel

3rd Place: Chuyue Zhou, 8th Grade Tri-North Middle School, Bloomington Each year, the essay question includes a specific event or activity involving Dr. King’s life and legacy. This year’s question also included a current event. Participants were challenged to respond to the following question:

“On August 29, 1963, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. captivated the nation with his, “I Have a Dream” speech. On January 20, 2009, Sen. Barack Obama will become the first African-American president. His campaign slogan was, “Change We Can Believe In.” Why did these men’s words move the nation? What words do you live by and why?”

According to Quiana Graham, IBE Youth and Family Programs director, the first place winning submission impressed the selection committee with the following essay introduction:

“Many people are good public speakers, but only a few can captivate the world with their words. Themes of change and hope were definitely incorporated into the encouraging speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Barack Obama. Each one pursued his vision of the American dream and swept the nation along with it.’”

Submissions for the contest, which was open to all middle and junior high school students in the state of Indiana, were due on Friday, January 30. The first place winner of the essay contest will receive a $500 US Savings Bond and four tickets to an Indiana Pacers Game. The second winner will receive a $300 US Savings Bond and the third place winner will receive and $100 Savings Bonds. Each winner will also be honored at a special reception.

“IBE strives for excellence by providing unique programs and events that reflect the changing landscape of Indiana and the world,” said Tanya Bell, IBE president and CEO.

For more information about the IBE’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest or its youth and family programs, contact Quiana Graham, IBE Youth and Family Programs director at (317) 925-2702 or visit www.indianablackexpo.com.

About Indiana Black Expo, Inc. Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) is a year-round, multifaceted community service organization with 12 chapters around the state of Indiana. IBE is known for its two major fund-raisers, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is governed by a board of directors comprised of individuals and community leaders from around the state of Indiana and employs a full time staff. The mission is to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. For more information on IBE programs and events, visit www.indianablackexpo.com.

3/18/2009 12:00:00 AM