YONKERS Mayor Spano Invites Yonkers students
to Share Original poems Honoring Dr. MARTIN LUTHER King, JR.’s Legacy
In Partnership with Yonkers Arts, Local Youth Invited to Take Center Stage to Celebrate Justice, Courage, and Unity in Honor of MLK, Jr.
Mayor Mike Spano, in partnership with Yonkers Arts, is now accepting poetry submissions for the upcoming Youth Meet & Poetry Showcase: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ’s Legacy Through Creative Expression. This special event will celebrate the life and vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through the lens of youth creativity, civic dialogue, and artistic performance.
Students across Yonkers are encouraged to submit original poems that reflect Dr. King’s enduring themes: justice, courage, and unity. Selected works will be featured during the live showcase on Thursday, January 8, 2026, where selected youth will present their poetry and engage in meaningful face-to-face dialogue with community guests.
“This is more than a performance—it’s a platform for young people to speak truth, spark conversation, and carry forward Dr. King’s dream,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “We invite every young voice to be heard.”
Yonkers Arts Executive Director Evan Bishop shared, “Many pivotal movements in history began with the voices of the youth. Yonkers Arts is pleased to partner with Mayor Mike Spano in honoring Dr. King ‘s legacy and supporting our city’s talented students at this poetry showcase.”
Submission Guidelines:
- Open to youth in grades 6-12 who reside or attend school in Yonkers.
- Individual submissions only (no group entries)
- Must reflect themes justice, courage and unity inspired by Dr. King’s legacy
- Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
- Download cover page: MLK-Poem-Contest-2026—COVER-PAGE
- Email BOTH completed cover page along with poem to contest@yonkersny.gov
Selected poets will receive the opportunity to connect with civic leaders, local artists, and peers during the showcase.
For full submission details and event updates, visit www.yonkersny.gov or contact Dr. Dwanita M. Crosby at Dwanita.Crosby@yonkersny.gov.
