The City of Pembroke Pines invites students attending school or residing in Pembroke Pines to respond to a call for original poetry, spoken word or creative writing pieces. This literature competition will bring together the voices of the local youth with their reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.  The contest guidelines include: One entry per student; All pieces must be original writing containing 15 to 300 words; and Submissions will be accepted from November 14, 2022 until January 6, 2023. Email submissions to [email protected]. Please include in email submissions: Name; Grade and School; Contact Email and Phone Number; and a .DOC or .PDF Document of the Original Writing. Poetry submissions should reflect upon how Dr. King’s words of kindness, acceptance, and compassion continue to shape our thoughts and actions in the face of injustice and inequality. Just like Dr. King’s words “I have a dream” continues to inspire countless people, the words of today’s youth can inspire the people around them also.

On Monday, January 16, 2023, winners will read their pieces and receive their awards during the City of Pembroke Pines Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration at 10 am at the Charles F. Dodge City Center Plaza. One winner will be selected from each grade level category and receive a $50 Visa Gift Card: 3rd - 5th Grade; 6th - 8th Grade; 9th - 12th Grade. For more information, please visit www.thefrankgallery.org/p/getinvolved/poetrycontest.