2026 MLK Poetry & Storytelling Competition
Harrisburg Area Community College | January 18th, 2026
The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg invites high school and college students to submit original short stories, essays (under 1000 words), and poems on the theme:
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
Cash prizes for first, second, and third place winners!
Deadline to enter is January 9th.
*Students must be enrolled in a Pennsylvania High School or college and be able to attend the in-person Festival on January 18th at Harrisburg Area Community College to be eligible to enter.
To submit your story or poem, email your submission, name, school, and grade to wachmlkfestival@gmail.com

