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News | January 13, 2023
2 minute read

Warner Announces Winners of 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Legacy Contest

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP announced the winners of the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Legacy Contest.

Open to all sixth graders in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district, students were asked to identify and react to a racial social justice issue meaningful to them. The contest allows submissions in any format, and entries included video, painting, diorama, essay, poem and cartoon, among others.

This year’s winners are:

  • Ca’Niyah Sutton, Westwood Middle School – first place for “Do What’s Right,” a painting inspired by Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., urging everyone to do the right thing, no matter the circumstances.
  • Remington Davis, Center for Economicology– second place for “The Injustices,” an essay describing how injustice against people of color impacts their experiences.  
  • Jeckia Brooks, Riverside Middle School– third place for “My Reason Why,” an essay about her personal experiences with racism and how she drew inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

An additional 25 students received honorable mentions. They attend Aberdeen Academy, Alger Middle School, Blandford School, Burton Middle School, Center for Economicology, Dickinson Academy, Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, Harrison Park Academy, Martin Luther King Leadership Academy and Westwood Middle School.  

The goal of the contest is to encourage students to think about how King’s legacy of peace and justice applies to the world in which they live. The submissions were evaluated by 60 Warner firm members on the basis of connection to the contest theme, personal connection, message and overall impact.

All winning and honorable mention students and their parents are invited to attend the 37th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Commemoration at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE.

The first-place winner of this year’s competition will receive an Apple iPad, the second-place winner will receive an Amazon Fire Tablet and the third-place winner will receive a $100 Gift Card to We are LIT! Multicultural Bookshop. Each student who earned an honorable mention will receive a $25 gift card to We are LIT! Multicultural Bookshop and all other participants will receive a personalized certificate of completion.

About Warner

By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

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