The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
That simple yet important question inspired dozens of Milwaukee students to take part in the 41st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest, proudly presented by We Energies.
“When I’m in school, I help my friends with their work, give them hugs when they are sad and say kind words to everybody in my school,” said Josie Evans, a first grader at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School.
Josie was one of 24 semifinalists to deliver an original speech inspired by King in front of friends, family and a panel of judges at the We Energies auditorium in December.
There, she was voted one of six first-place winners who will deliver their speeches at the citywide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Jan. 20.
Joining her are Eddie Smith from Craig Montessori School, Chad Roy-Johnson from Samuel Clemens School, Titania McHenry from Fernwood Montessori, Leah Serdynski from Wisconsin Connections Academy and Dahlia Santiago from Golda Meir Upper Campus.
“The best thing you can do for someone else isn’t about material things or getting recognition for good deeds,” Dahlia said. “It’s letting someone make an impression on you. Letting someone challenge the way you see things. Letting someone change you, change your perspective.”
Dahlia, a ninth grader, was also asked to deliver her speech at the Milwaukee Bucks Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration presented by We Energies on Sunday, Jan. 19. Her wise words speak for themselves.
“Consider the minor happenings a little more,” Dahlia said. “Just flashing a smile at a stranger. A small change in your demeanor, and that person will be thinking about your kindness for the rest of their day. All it takes is a split second more consideration. That’s all it really is: a thought, a change, a brilliant, shining chance to do what you can for others. Take it.”