Each year the Ohio Civil Rights Commission invites thousands of students in every county throughout the state of Ohio to participate in its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Essay and Multimedia Contest. This year more than 1700 students submitted creative entries to describe their interpretation of the following quote by Dr. King:

“An individual has not begun to live until he can rise above the narrow horizons of his particular individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. Every person must decide, at some point, whether they will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ’What are you doing for others?’” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., August 11, 1957

The purpose of this contest is to enhance cultural awareness, empowerment, tolerance, and to honor and encourage leadership for a multi-cultural society. Through the example of major role models, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., students creatively interpret these teachings through art, writing and multimedia presentations. We believe that it is important that the lessons and beliefs that affect students today will encourage them to be leaders for diversity for tomorrow. Winners in each category for each grade level have been selected through a very thorough judging process. These students have been invited to attend an award ceremony that will take place on January 29th, 2009 in the Rhodes State Office Tower at 10:00 a.m. where their work will be displayed and they will be formally recognized. Each students winning entry can be viewed through the links below.

• 5th Grade Winner: Fatima Odeh of Toledo - Toledo Islamic Academy
• 6th Grade Winner: Osama Alkhalili of Toledo - Toledo Islamic Academy
• 7th Grade Winner: Nathaniel Starkman of Beachwood, Agnon School
• 8th Grade Winner: Allison Fischer of Middleburg Hts. - Academy of St. Batholomew
• 9th Grade Winner: Nolan Rudolph of Pickerington - Pickerington High School North
• 10th Grade Winner: Chelsea Norberg of Lima - Lima Central Catholic
• 11th Grade Winner: Marquell Walden of Lorain - Southview High School
• 12th Grade Winner: Michael DePalma of Lima - Lima Central Catholic

The public meeting and reception will take place in the Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 E. Broad Street, Lobby Hearing Room, Columbus, OH 43215.

The contest reception will follow the public meeting. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 A.M. This meeting is free and open to the public, however large groups are encouraged to contact the OCRC to secure accommodations and seating.

For more information please contact OCRC at 1-888-278-7101