Everyone in the community is encouraged to submit a work of art, a poem, or a persuasive letter that addresses Dr. King’s life themes of nonviolence, social justice and building bridges between racial and ethnic divides. The work may also incorporate the theme A Day On, Not a Day Off as a way to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

The contest is open to children ages 5 - 18 and adults. Entries will be accepted in two categories: art and writing. The requirements for artwork are that it be two-dimensional, any medium and the size limitation is 20" x 30". The requirements for writing are a 250 word limit and that the entry be typed or legibly written.

Entries can be submitted to the Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave., between Dec. 17, 2001 and Jan. 17, 2002 during open library hours. Winning entries will be selected by judges and announced at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Awards Ceremony on Monday, January 21, 2002 at Manhattan Town Center.

Best of show winners in both art and writing will receive a $50 savings bond. First place winners in all age categories for both art and writing will receive a book prize donated by The Children’s Book Shop or Varney’s Book Store. Winning entries will be displayed at Manhattan Town Center. Selected works will be published in The Manhattan Mercury and City Arts Magazine, and selected poems and letters will be read on Angel 95 Radio. Selected entries will be on display at Manhattan Public Library during Black History Month in February, 2002.

For further information, call 776-4741 ext. 125 or the websites with the official guidelines: Manhattan Public Library (www.-manhattan.lib.ks.us), USD 383 (www.-usd383.org), or KSU Multi-Cultural Research & Resource Center (www.lib.ksu.edu/depts/mrrc/calendar/html).