17 Jan Lessons from MLK inspire and educate young and not-so-young
Lessons from MLK inspire and educate young and not-so-young
People learn in all ways.
People learn in many different ways. I believe that I learn best by studying others. I was fortunate to have learned from my parents and countless role models throughout my life.
And I am still learning – every day. I learned a lot and gained amazing inspiration from dozens of Pittsburgh youth who entered Covelli Enterprises’ Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Writing Contest and Leadership Award.
These young people, who will be presented with awards on Saturday, Jan. 16, showed great sensitivity, passion and energy for the ideals for which Dr. King worked.
Daviona Clemons, author of the first place essay, titled “An Open Letter,” described how sad Dr. King would be if he could see the lack of progress in society. She wrote, “Dear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., If you could only see what I am seeing now, there would be no way to keep your tears from streaming down. The hurt that our people are going through today. It’s like your speeches didn’t amount to anything anyway.”
Daviona’s words are beautiful and she is an accomplished writer, but more importantly, her ideas convey the kind of unwavering hope that Dr. King had in humanity. “I believe in what you said that day. ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’”
I was honored to read her essay and am grateful for Daviona and the others who possess such wisdom at such an early age.
Thank you Daviona and thank you to all who entered.
The full list of winners is here:
WINNERS
1st Place: Daviona Clemons – An Open Letter
10th Grade – University Preparatory Academy
2nd Place: Johnte’ Jackson-Thomas – The time is always right to do what is right.
8th Grade – Falk Laboratory
3rd Place: Frank Smart – Where Has the Time Gone?
10th Grade – University Preparatory Academy
LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES
Amir Hutchins – 11th Grade – University Prep
Rashawn Edmundson – 12th Grade – Barack Obama Academy
Damon Peters – University Prep
Terrell Coleman – 6th Grade -University Prep
Denay Clemons – 9th Grade – University Prep