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ADA Updates
In coordination with the event, the ADA Education Fund is hosting a national essay contest. “We are eager to read activists’ and students’ perspectives on which of today’s many pressing policy issues Dr. King might have been involved with,” said Michael J. Wilson, Secretary of the ADA Education Fund. “How would he have modified his methods to reflect the values and realities of the 21st century?” Last year, the “What Would Martin Do?” forum hosted speakers such as former Lt. Governor of Maryland, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; former Senator from Pennsylvania, Harris Wofford; President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Clayola Brown; Washington Bureau Director of the NAACP, Hilary O. Shelton; and Founder and Director of the Faith and Politics Institute, Rev. Douglas Tanner. This year we hope to host more wonderful speakers on our panel, and of course have plenty of essay submissions to contribute to our discussion on what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would do if he were alive today.
1) The topic of the essay is “What Would Martin Do?” and should envision a conversation between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama. It should touch on key policy issues facing our country in the 21st century. 2) Your essay may not exceed 500 words. 3) Essays must be submitted as a Word attachment to info@ADAEdFund.org not later than 5pm EST on December 15, 2011. Please use the subject line “Essay Contest.” Late entries will not be considered. 4) Please be sure to include your full name, home address, email, and the best phone number with your entry. 5) Up to 5 finalists as selected by a prestigious panel of judges will have their essays posted on the ADA Ed Fund’s website. Online voting by the general public will determine the winners. 6) Entries will be judged on historical knowledge, understanding of Dr. King’s philosophy, creativity, and writing skills. The entry must also reflect an understanding of current policy discussions and the landscape of social and economic justice. 7) The winners will be notified on or before January 4, 2011. 8) The winner will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. Two runners-up will each receive a $100 savings bond. 9) The winners will be invited to read their essays at the WWMD Symposium (details TBA) in Washington, DC, will have their winning submission published on the ADA Ed Fund’s website, the quarterly publication ADA Today, and shared on our Facebook page. 10) There is no qualification or age requirement for entry. Anyone (except current ADA or ADA Ed Fund Staffers and Board Members) may enter. Good luck, and thanks for participating in the second annual WWMD Essay Contest! Please feel free to pass this along to friends and colleagues… Thanks!
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Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund is preparing to host the 3rd annual “What Would Martin Do?” panel discussion. A diverse panel of progressive leaders will share their thoughts on how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have responded to today’s issues and policies.