“As a minister, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached about true peace and believed people should solve problems without violence. He dreamed of a peaceful world, and I dream of that, too.”

Aalaila Simmons from Lowell International Elementary School was one of 27 students to take part in the 42nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest, proudly presented by We Energies.

She and her fellow competitors, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, were asked to write an original speech using the theme “true peace” inspired by remarks Dr. King delivered while accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Six winners to deliver speech at citywide celebration

Aalaila took first place in the Grades 3-4 division and will deliver her speech at Milwaukee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Monday, Jan. 19, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center alongside five other first place winners.

“For me, true peace is where everyone tries to build each other up and help take part in the restoration process this world so desperately needs,” said Stevie Smith, winner of the Grades 5-6 division and student at Eastbrook Academy. “A world where everyone gives selflessly so we can all rise.”

Students shared personal stories to explain what “true peace” means to them and laid out their hopes, dreams and plans for the future.

“Peace is not a destination we reach and stop at,” said Ayden Thrash, winner of the Grades 11-12 division from Golda Meir Upper Campus. “It’s something we keep creating every single day. We can’t quote Dr. King in January and forget his dream by May.”

“Do not ever, no matter what anyone says, think that you are powerless,” added her schoolmate and winner of the Grades 9-10 division, Dahlia Santiago. “Yes, there will always be someone more powerful than you, and yes, sometimes you may feel like there is nothing you can do. But you will always have the power to change you.”

Even the littlest voices delivered a powerful message to the families, friends and judges listening in the audience.

“At school, I help my friends to be peaceful when they have disagreements,” said Josie Evans, a student at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School and winner of the Grades K-2 division. “I also spread love because I am a peacemaker, just like Dr. King tried to be.”

Milwaukee Bucks Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game

All of the first, second and third place winners were honored at the Milwaukee Bucks Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game presented by We Energies on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Quotes from the students’ original speeches were on display throughout Fiserv Forum and one winner, Titania McHenry from Fernwood Montessori, was asked to deliver her speech live during halftime.

“Dr. King didn’t just dream of peace. He worked for it. He marched, he spoke out and he taught others how to fight injustice with love and courage,” said Titania. “And guess what? We can do that too. We may be young, but our voices matter.”