The United States Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas is pleased to announce the 6th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Essay Contest.  The purpose of the contest is to encourage students throughout The Bahamas to explore the life of Dr. King and reflect on how civil rights and diversity affect their lives today.  All high school students in The Bahamas in grades 10 through 12 are invited to participate in the contest. 

Two winners will receive the grand prize – a new Apple iPad 2 – and their winning essays will be featured in newspapers nationally.  Each participating school will also receive a copy of the History Channel’s film “KING”, which takes viewers through the extraordinary life and times of America’s civil rights visionary.

This year’s essay theme will focus on the contributions made by American civil rights leaders who were influenced Dr. King.  Students will be asked to write an original essay of 500 words or less that describes the contributions made by one leader of the American civil rights movement. Students will also be asked to describe what they can do in their own community to contribute to a more peaceful and non-violent world.