Skip to main navigation Skip to main content
Ky.gov
Kentucky Heritage Council

Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission

​​​​​​​​​​Photos from 2024 Kentucky Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission Celebration


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.

Entries have closed for the ​​2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay, Artwork & Poetry Contest

 

Requirements for all entries:

  • Participants must be enrolled in a Kentucky school or home-schooled in Kentucky.
  • The entries should be inspired by this year's theme, "An Unfinished Dream".
  • Winners will be invited to attend the awards ceremony on January 9, 2025, at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, KY.​​
  • Please contact Tressa Brown​ with any questions. 

​Contest Informational Flyer [PDF, 1MB]

Essay Contest - The entry deadline has passed

Who May Apply? Students in grades 4 - 12 are eligible to participate in the essay contest.

Requirements:
  • Entries must be 500 words or less.
  • Videos, films, drawings, etc. will not be accepted in this contest. Please submit those materials in the visual arts category.
  • 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 entry deadline has passed​

Who May Apply? All K - 12th grade students are eligible to participate in the visual arts contest.

  • ​​​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 entry deadline has passed

​​​Who May Apply? Students in grades 6 - 12 are eligible to participate in the poetry contest.
​
Requirements:
  • Entries must be 200 words or less.
  • All entries will be judged on the following criteria:
    • Creativity and originality: writing reflects a unique style or expression.
    • Theme: writing addresses the theme of the contest.​

​


2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest​

Three finalists were invited to compete at Kentucky State University on March 21, 2024.

​​2024 Award Winners

  • 1st place | Morgan Reese Highfield | $1000 Scholarship 
  • 2nd place | Madison Chapman | $500 Scholarship 
  • 3rd place | Myka Smith-Jackson | $250 Scholarship
​

About Our Award Winners

Morgan Reese Highfield, a driven high school senior at Russell High School, is passionate about neuroscience and set to graduate with honors. She excels in problem-solving and critical thinking, showcased through participation in the Future Problem Solving team and Academic Team English Composition competitions. Beyond academics, Morgan is committed to community service, serving as a senior officer in La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and mentoring as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program.

Recognized for leadership potential, Morgan participated in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, refining organizational skills and commitment to excellence. With aspirations to become an anesthesiologist, merging her passion for neuroscience with patient care, Morgan is prepared for a journey of discovery and service in the medical field.

Madison Chapman, a senior at Russell High School, is passionate about music, academics, and STEM fields. She excels in viola and alto saxophone, participating actively in jazz band, pep band, and marching band. Beyond performance, she contributes as a composition writer for her school's academic team. Engaged in STEM activities, Madison competes in Science Olympiad and TSA, applying analytical skills to solve challenges. She also leads her school's conservation club, promoting environmental sustainability through initiatives like weekly recycling efforts. With plans to pursue mechanical engineering, Madison aims to explore opportunities in energy, biotechnology, or research. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, reading, and family time. Known for her dedication and creativity, Madison looks forward to her journey of learning and discovery.
 
Myka Smith-Jackson's passion for shaping the future is palpable as she dives into her second year at the University of Kentucky. With a dedicated focus on Political Science and Psychology, Myka's academic journey is further enriched by her pursuit of certifications in Peace Studies and Global Studies, all while maintaining an impressive 3.4 GPA. Her outstanding dedication to fostering positive change has been recognized with the prestigious 2023 Living Legacy Award.  An ardent advocate for community service and leadership, Myka's vibrant spirit is evident through her roles as a proactive student intern at the Martin Luther King Center, an inspiring Campus Ambassador for Leading Ladies, and the dynamic Vice President of Model United Nations. With each endeavor, Myka is not just preparing for a future of influence but actively building it with every step she takes.  Myka Smith-Jackson is on a mission to leave an indelible mark on the world.
 

​​​​

Next Meeting

​

​TBA

​Upcoming Meetings

2025 Schedule TBA

​Commission Members

Kevin L. Russell, Radcliff, Chair

​Megan Bailey, Bowling Green

Stan L. Holmes, Vine Grove

​Althea Jackson, Louisville

​Jamaal Jackson, Frankfort

​Ruth D. Lynch, Hopkinsville

​Natasha Murray, Lexington

​Scott Palmer Mason, Bowling Green

​Ashley M. Parrott, Louisville

​Melvin L. Turner, Louisville

​Katrisha Waldridge, Frankfort

​Wanda Washington, Campbellsville​



Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission Statement

Adopted by the commission Jan. 13, 2021

We, the members of the Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission, strongly condemn the violent acts that took place at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The chaos that was wrought on that day is a direct result of deliberate and persistent efforts to create confusion and turmoil surrounding a democratic election.

While we are aware that it is the constitutional right of the people to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances, the violent acts that took place in Washington, D.C. went far beyond. The terroristic actions of that day created multiple fatalities and injuries.

Furthermore, we denounce all hate and terror tactics used to intimidate fellow citizens because of their race, religion, political views, or any other difference. We are optimistic and urge that all perpetrators are held accountable.

"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.