Alexandria schoolchildren are celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., again this year by taking part in a citywide poster contest. Winners of the 20th annual juried competition and exhibition will be honored at an awards program on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, Jan. 18, from 1-3 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street, and City Councilwoman Alicia Hughes will deliver the keynote speech. This event is free and open to all.
The contest and exhibition are sponsored by the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage (ASPBH) and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The posters represent students’ interpretation of this year’s King Holiday theme, "Continuing to Keep the Dream Alive." The artwork of all finalists will be on display in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall through Sunday, Feb. 28.
The contest serves as a means of recognizing the life and accomplishments of Dr. King while encouraging the students to express their artistic talents. The ASPBH designed the competition to provide an opportunity for children of all cultures to express their understanding of the late civil rights leader.
Student submissions are judged in two phases, beginning with the individual elementary schools. Three finalists from each grade (first through fifth) from each school are selected and sent on for further consideration. In the second phase, a panel of ASPBH representatives evaluates the artwork within grade levels but across the city, so students are competing against their peers from all city elementary schools. First-, second- and third-place winners for each grade level will be selected. Winners will be announced and will receive their prizes at the Jan. 18 ceremony.
Under the leadership of chairman Carlton A. Funn, Sr., the ASPBH hosts programs and exhibitions presented by the Alexandria Black History Museum while providing yearly funds to help promote educational programs at the museum. The Alexandria Black History Museum, located at 902 Wythe Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 703.838.4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org.