Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an activist committed to peace, justice, and equality. In his efforts for civil rights, he emphasized the importance of determination to achieve freedom and human dignity. His driving forces were love, the importance of family, and self-respect. The City of Milpitas wants to celebrate and remember Dr. King’s legacy with the Community. This year’s poster contest theme is “Civil Rights.” The artist’s may relate this theme to themselves or others in their family, school, neighborhood, or the world.

The theme comes from King’s public speech delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. Dr. King described his dreams of freedom and equality arising from a land of slavery and hatred.

Categories

The poster contest is open to students in grades 1-12 who live in the City of Milpitas, or are enrolled in a school, either public or private, within the City of Milpitas.
There are three grade level categories:

  • Elementary School: individual entries,
  • Middle School: individual entries
  • High School: individual entries

Hand drawn or digital submissions will be accepted.

The poster MUST meet all of the criteria listed below:

  • The poster can be no larger than 11″x17″.
  • The poster can use any medium the artist chooses.
  • The poster MUST be original art.
  • Poster MUST reference theme and Dr. King Jr.
Judging

The entries will be judged with the following criteria considered:

  • Entries must address the theme.
  • Entries should relate the student’s own personal ideas or experiences to the topic and show an understanding of Dr. King’s ideals.
  • Entries must not be a biographical sketch of Dr. King.
  • Entries will be judged on the basis of clearly expressed, creative ideas. In judging entries, emphasis will be placed on artistry, clarity, creativity, and originality.

Teachers and parents are encouraged to help students understand the historical context of Dr. King’s words and actions, see the relevance of these words and actions in their world today, and become familiar with Dr. King’s life and values. We recommend utilizing the resources of Milpitas school libraries and the Santa Clara County Public Libraries.

Deadline

All entries must be delivered to the Milpitas Community Center or emailed to jclevenger@milpitas.gov by January 19, 2018.

Submit Entry
  1. Submit in person or mail to:
    Milpitas Community Center
    457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035
    Contact Person: Josh Clevenger
    Contact Number: 408.586.3209Email: jclevenger@milpitas.gov
    Attached entry form required.
Prizes

First Place in each category will display their entry before City Council at the February 6th meeting.

All place winners will receive a certificate at the same council meeting.