Poetry and art contest honors MLK’s legacy

Published on December 08, 2022

He had a dream, and that dream continues to live on today.

Fort Worth children in grades 6-12 are invited to submit poetry and original artwork based on the theme “Why Martin Still Matters,” representing through their work the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Library’s second annual MLK Jr. Poetry and Art Contest seeks original poems that are 250 words or less, typed or written legibly. Artwork should be two dimensional and no larger than 16 inches by 20 inches. Find a complete list of submission guidelines and other information.

The details

• Participants must create their entries themselves and have a Fort Worth Public Library card number.
• An entry form must accompany submissions, and only one submission per person will be accepted.
• All entries must be received, either in person at a Fort Worth Public Library location or submitted online no later than 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7.

Who judges? Entries will be judged by a panel comprising District 8 City Councilmember Chris Nettles; Library Director Manya Shorr; Michelle Green-Ford, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce; Jarred Howard, principal of Sable Brands; and Tammy Gomez, poet and multimedia performer.

And the winner is … Work will be judged based on creativity, originality, clarity and how well an entry expresses the contest theme. Winners will be notified by Jan. 11 and will be honored at a special ceremony. Work will be displayed at the East Regional Library and Ella Mae Shamblee Branch Library through February.

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