MLK Jr. Holiday Commission's 2027 Student Contests and Award Nominations
Closing Date Friday October 30th, 2026, at 5:00 PM
On behalf of the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and the Howard County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, students and community members are invited to participate in several exciting contests. All contest winners will receive a monetary prize and be listed on the County’s Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) website. Winners will be recognized at the MLK Celebration on January 17, 2027, at Horowitz Center Smith Theatre, located at Howard Community College.
2027 CONTEST THEME: "Let us build the future through stones of hope."
Contests and Contest Rules
Oratory Contest: Open to Howard County Middle and High School students, this contest challenges participants to write and deliver a speech about how they envision the future they intend to build. Discuss challenges, outcomes, and personal growth.
Oratory Contest Rules: Submissions must include a video link (YouTube, Google drive, Canva, etc.) of the student performing the speech, a double-spaced typed version of the speech submitted as a PDF file and completed application attached. The speech should clearly reflect the theme's message. Speeches are limited to 2-3 minutes.
APPLICATION: All essay, oratory and poster entrees must include an application form. It must be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is under 18. Click HERE to download a copy.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND INFORMATION:
All entries must be received by Friday, October 30th, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
- Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
- For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430 or Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov.
Essay Contest: Also, for Howard County Middle and High School students, this competition invites them to articulate their thoughts and reflections about the theme and their plan to make positive changes in themselves, their schools, and their communities. Discuss challenges, outcomes and personal growth.
Essay Contest Rules: Essays must be typed, single-spaced, 500 words or less, and submitted as a PDF file. 12pt Times New Roman or Arial font. Submissions must include completed application with student's name, address, phone number, school, grade, and email address. The application must also be submitted with each submission. Students with disabilities may submit entries using other media and/or visual presentations.
APPLICATION: All essay, oratory and poster entrees must include an application form. It must be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is under 18. Click HERE to download a copy.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND INFORMATION:
All entries must be received by Friday, October 30th, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
- Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
- For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430 or Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov.
Poster Contest: Open to Howard County Elementary, Middle, and High School students, the poster contest presents students with the opportunity to create an original piece of artwork that incorporates the theme and illustrates how to use kindness to make positive changes in themselves, schools, and communities. To submit poster entries, scan or photograph the artwork and email it to mlk@howardcountymd.gov along with your completed application. Please do not send the original artwork. Winners will be notified about sending in the original piece.
Poster Contest Rules: Submissions must reflect the approved theme of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration and should visually express Dr. King’s legacy of service, justice, equality, nonviolence, human rights, and/or beloved community. Digital submissions only. To submit poster entries, scan or photograph the artwork and email it to mlk@howardcountymd.gov along with your completed application. Artwork must be the student’s original work; AI-generated or AI-produced works will not be considered. Tracing or copying from photographs or other artists’ works is not allowed. Do not include copyrighted, trademarked, or branded marks, images or phrases.
APPLICATION: All essay, oratory and poster entrees must include an application form. It must be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is under 18. Click HERE to download a copy.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND INFORMATION:
All entries must be received by Friday, October 30th, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
- Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
- For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430 or Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov.
The "Living the Dream" Award: This prestigious honor is open to students, individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to making Howard County a better place, embodying the principles that Dr. King championed. Self-nominations are accepted. The Living the Dream Award comes with a monetary prize and trophy. Click HERE to nominate your candidate online. You may also download a fillable PDF application HERE and email it to us.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND INFORMATION:
All nominations must be received by Friday, October 30th, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
- For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430 or Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov.
ABOUT
The Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission (MLK) was established by order of the Howard County Executive to encourage and coordinate appropriate ceremonies and activities honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission shall consist of 17 voting members, and at least one nonvoting student member under the age of 19. Each year, the MLK celebration takes place on the third Sunday of January. The Day of Service takes place the next day on the third Monday of January. The Day of Service provides a variety of service opportunities throughout the community that is representative of Dr. King’s dedication to servant leadership. For more information, please feel free to email MLK@howardcountymd.gov
2026 MLK Elementary, Middle & High School Poster Contest Submissions
Commission Information
The Commission shall consist of 17 voting members, and at least one nonvoting student member under the age of 19.
| Name & Role (if applicable) | Term Expiration |
|---|---|
| Jennifer-NeToi Claiborne, Chair | 3/3/2028 |
| Kerry G. Johnson, Vice Chair | 3/3/2028 |
| Abbie Diane Martin, Ph.D., Corresponding Secretary | 5/6/2027 |
| Algie Marvel | 11/3/2028 |
| Brett Vess | 5/5/2028 |
| Daima Lewis | 4/7/2028 |
| Karen Foxworth, LCPC | 3/3/2028 |
| Margaret Stephens | 3/3/2028 |
| Tina Horn | 5/6/2027 |
| Angel M. Robinson | 6/1/2029 |
| Khalida S. Burton | 6/1/2029 |
| Raeleena C Collington | 6/1/2029 |
| Allison Corinne Nichols, High School Representative | 6/30/2027 |
| Anjali Thaker, High School Representative | 6/30/2027 |
Current Vacancies (Updated September 4, 2026)
- Adult Community Representatives (5)
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission meets on the first Wednesday of every month, at 6:00 PM, except in July. Meetings are open to the public.
January 07, 2026
February 11, 2026 (Rescheduled from February 4, 2026)
March 04, 2026
April 01, 2026
May 06, 2026
June 03, 2026
July 25, 2026 (Annual Retreat)
August 5, 2026
September 02, 2026
October 07, 2026
November 04, 2026
December 02, 2026
- LaKeisha McClendon (she/her), Office of Human Rights and Equity Administrator
- Steph Bertrand (he/him), Executive Secretary
- Gail Tarry (she/her), Recording Secretary
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
The Office of Human Rights and Equity strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation to access a public Commission meeting or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov. Accommodations requested less than five business days before a meeting are not guaranteed, though every effort will be taken to provide said accommodation.
Please note, meeting minutes will be posted after they are finalized and approved by motion at the following regular Commission meeting.
January 07, 2026
February 11, 2026 (Canceled due to inadequate voting quorum. Next meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2026)
- Agenda
- Minutes
March 04, 2026 (Canceled due to inadequate voting quorum. Next meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2026)
- Agenda
- Minutes
April 01, 2026 (Virtual Only)
May 07, 2026 (Canceled due to inadequate voting quorum. Next meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2026)
- Agenda
- Minutes
June 03, 2026
July 25, 2025 (Annual Retreat)
August 5, 2026
September 02, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
October 07, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
November 04, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
December 02, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
The Office of Human Rights and Equity strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation to access a public Commission meeting or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov. Accommodations requested less than five business days before a meeting are not guaranteed, though every effort will be taken to provide said accommodation.
Please note, meeting minutes will be posted after they are finalized and approved by motion at the following regular Commission meeting.
January 08, 2025
February 05, 2025
March 05, 2025
April 02, 2025
May 07, 2025
June 04, 2025
July 13, 2025 (Annual Retreat)
August 6, 2025
September 03, 2025
September 13, 2025 (OHRE Commission Strategic Planning Summit)
October 08, 2025
November 05, 2025
November 19, 2025 (Special Meeting)
- Agenda
- Minutes
December 03, 2025
- Agenda
- Minutes
The Office of Human Rights and Equity strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation to access a Public Commission meeting or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov. Accommodations requested less than five business days before a meeting are not guaranteed, though every effort will be taken to provide said accommodation.
December 4th
November 6th
October 17th
September 4th
August 7th:
June 9th MLK COMMISSION RETREAT
May 1st
April 3rd
March 6th
February 7th
January 3rd
December 7th
November 2nd
October 12th
September 7th
August 3rd
June 1st
- Agenda
- Minutes (No Quorum, no meeting)
May 14th Annual Retreat
May 4th
April 6th
March 2nd
February 2nd
January 12th
January 5th