On Monday, January 15th, Martin Luther King Day 2018, youth of Hunting Ridge and the greater community participated in our first Essay and Oratory Contest.

Here are some excerpts of the essays.

“So how do we improve racial equality in America? WE can use the one powerful voice each one of us has. We stand up and refuse to be treated any kind of way because of something we cannot control our skin color.  We demand to be treated fairly and f we are not, we refuse to give up our “seat,” whatever that is.  WE refuse to be pulled over for no reason other than the fact we are black. WE refuse to not have justice for our family members because they come from a black family. WE fight racism with courage and faith knowing that one day our decision to STAND will not be in vain.”

–Rashad, Grade 2

“Equality should be taught in the home as well as in schools. It should also be practiced in school. I will try to treat everyone equally and put it as a part of my daily lifestyle.  As will educating my friends and siblings about equality.”

— J’Maurai, Grade 3

“Martin went to Morehouse College in 1944 at age 15.  No one was enrolling because too many people wanted to be in the military. So they tried their best to fill ups the classes. After graduating Morehouse, he went on to Crozer Theological College in Pennsylvania where he was the valedictorian of his class. He met his soon-to-be-wife , Coretta Scott, in 1952 while working on his Ph.D. at Boston University.  Martin and Coretta married in June 1953 and had a baby, Yolanda “Yuki” King. Martin had 3 other children in his short life.”                                                                                                                       –Kyara, Grade 4

“There are many ways to improve racial equality in America. I feel as if the president is making America divide and go against each other. We should not let someone divide us! We need to stick together and not let ignorant comments slide. WE should educate people. That is the main reason why some people have such horrible opinions about other races. It is because they are not educated. Sometimes people are raised a certain way to hate or dislike other races and that is not right. We have to do something soon or this will never change.”                                                                                  –Maia, Grade 10

We proud and grateful to all of the participants, guests, sponsors and donors.