All Yonkers Students Grades 1 - 12 are Eligible to Enter!
Entry Deadline: February 14, 2024

(YONKERS, NY – January 11, 2024) Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Luis Rodriguez today launched the 2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art and Video Contest. This year’s theme, African Americans and the Arts, takes a look at how African Americans have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment.

“The arts are the soul of humanity, the voice of the oppressed, and the bridge of understanding,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Dr. King taught us to dream of a better world and to act with courage and compassion. Let us honor his legacy by using the arts to inspire, educate, and transform ourselves and our society. I’m excited to witness how our students will express their interpretation of his lasting message.”

All students from grades 1 to 12 in Yonkers are eligible to enter the contest. Three winners will be selected. One piece of artwork from grades 1-4, one from grades 5-8, and one video from grades 9-12 will be selected. The winning pieces and video will be showcased at Yonkers City Hall and online for the enjoyment of Yonkers residents. Winners will receive a certificate from Mayor Spano and will be invited to present their work at the City’s Annual Black History Month Celebration at Yonkers City Hall on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 6:00 pm.

Art is more than a form of expression; it's a reflection of our community's heart and soul,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Luis Rodriguez. “Through the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art and Video Contest, our students in Yonkers Public Schools become ambassadors of change and hope. Their creativity and insight into African Americans' contributions to the arts not only honor Dr. King's vision but also ignite a powerful dialogue about empowerment, history, and the enduring impact of art as a tool for social change. Let's encourage our young artists to use their talents to keep the spirit of Dr. King alive, fostering a community that thrives on understanding, respect, and unity."

Artwork and video submissions are due February 14, 2024, and may be emailed to contest@yonkersny.gov or sent by mail to MLK, Jr. Contest, Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Guidelines and specifications for the contest can be found at www.yonkersny.gov.

Winners will be selected by the Mayor’s African American Advisory Board and will be notified on February 16th. For questions regarding the art/video contest, email Dwanita Crosby at dwanita.crosby@yonkersny.gov.