Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada are launching the 2022 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Video Contest. This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Black Health and Wellness,” which takes a look at how American healthcare has often underserved the African-American community. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke about how of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health was the most shocking and the most inhumane.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to teach us many lessons, particularly in regards to the many inequities in healthcare,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “During this time, we must continue to work together as a society to bring about change to these injustices. As Dr. King stated, ‘If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.’ I am confident our students can reflect on this ever-important, timely topic and illustrate to us the lessons Dr. King has given us.”
Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools stated, “This annual contest is an opportunity for our students to expand their knowledge about Dr. King, and embrace his work and methods to achieve equity for all people. In 1966, at the Medical Committee on Human Rights in Chicago, Dr. King said, ‘I see no alternative to direct action and creative nonviolence to raise the conscience of the nation.’ As students discover African American champions for health and wellness, my hope is that they can be inspired and motivated into action.”
Students are asked to submit a 3-5 minute video depicting how some of the healthcare inequalities have improved and where we can, as a nation, expand and or do better in regard to those who are underserved. Also, students will be asked to include two prominent African American champions who have donated their time, efforts and science to improve health and wellness in all communities.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Video Contest is open to all primary and secondary Yonkers students; only one video may be submitted per student. Guidelines and specifications for the contest can be found at https://www.yonkersny.gov/mlk.
Ø Video submissions are due Friday, February 11, 2022 and may be emailed to contest@yonkersny.gov
Ø A total of three videos will be selected. One video from grades 1-4, one video from grades 5-8 and one video from grades 9-12. Winners will be selected by the Mayor’s African American Advisory Board and will be notified on Monday, February 14.
Ø Each winner will be sent a certificate and a plaque from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano
Ø For questions regarding the video contest email Dwanita Crosby at Dwanita.Crosby@yonkersny.gov.
As COVID-19 cases, fueled by the omicron variant continue to surge, the winning videos will be featured at the City’s Annual Black History Month Virtual Celebration on Facebook @CityofYonkers on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 5:30 pm. Residents also will be able to view the City’s Annual Black History Month Virtual Celebration on television Channel 39 (FiOS), Channel 78 (Cablevision) and on the City of Yonkers website at www.yonkersny.gov
