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Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission

2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Essay, Artwork and Poetry Contests

The contests are an exciting opportunity for students to express their creativity, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by promoting unity, equality, and justice for all people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the United States, and the world.

  • ​Entries should be inspired by this year’s theme, “Equality for All, Hope for Tomorrow.” 
  • Participants in all contests must be enrolled in a Kentucky school or home-schooled in Kentucky. 
  • ​The entry deadline for all contests is Friday, December 12, 2025. 
  • Winners will be invited to attend a ceremony on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5-7 PM ET at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, Ky. 

Essay Contest

The Essay Contest is open to 4th through 12th-grade students. Submissions are accepted via the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest Google Form.
  • Essay should be inspired by this year's theme.
  • Essay must be 500 words or less.
  • All writing entries will be judged on the criteria listed in the Kentucky Writing Scoring Rubric: purpose, awareness of audience, idea development, organization (sentence structure and transitions), language, and correctness.

Visual Arts Contest

The Visual Arts Contest is open to Kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Submissions are accepted via the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visual Arts Contest Google Form
  • ​All visual art and media entries will be judged on the following criteria:
    • ​Creativity and originality: artwork reflects a unique style or expression.
    • Theme: artwork addresses the theme of the contest.
    • The selection will be based solely on the artwork; no written essay is required.

Poetry Contest

The Poetry Contest is open to 6th through 12th-grade students. Submissions are accepted via the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Contest Google Form
  • Poem should be inspired by this year's theme.
  • Entries must be 200 words or less.

​Mission

The Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission is composed of members appointed by the Governor from diverse backgrounds in Kentucky life, including individuals associated with labor, industry, commerce, government, civil rights, education, youth organizations, sports, fine arts, and entertainment.

The Commission’s mission is to:

  • Promote the annual MLK holiday each January as an occasion to reflect upon the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change as espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities relating to the MLK holiday.

  • Promote community service in honor of the principles taught by Dr. King.

  • Provide advice and assistance to local governments and private organizations with respect to observance of the holiday.

  • Promote the holiday for interracial cooperation and youth antiviolence initiatives.

  • Whereas, we honor this mortal man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who made the ultimate sacrifice; therefore, it is the Commission’s intention to promote unity, equality and justice for all people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the United States and the world.

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Upcoming Meetings

TBA


​2025 MLK Jr Essay, Artwork & Poetry Contest | Award Ceremony

 



Commission Member Roster 2025

Kevin L. Russell, Radcliff, Chair

​Megan Bailey, Bowling Green

Sarah Gaines, Lexington

Shana Leigh Goggins, Richmond

Stan L. Holmes, Vine Grove

​Althea Jackson, Louisville

Priscilla Johnson, Lexington

​Ruth D. Lynch, Hopkinsville

​Scott Palmer Mason, Bowling Green

Beverly Metcalf, Frankfort

Rhondalyn Randolph, Owensboro

Matthew Smyzer, Louisville

​Wanda Washington, Campbellsville​


"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."  
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.