Video courtesy of the New York Education Department and Office of General Services

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Office of General Services (OGS) announced on Friday, Jan. 14, a record-breaking number of students have participated in the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition, with one Bedford Park public school singled out for its creative project.

 

Department officials said Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolent advocacy served as the inspiration for 2,700 students from more than 90 public and private schools across the State to submit their creations. Overall, the submissions mark the first time more than 1,000 pieces of student artwork will be on display.

 

Board of Regents chancellor, Lester W. Young Jr., said of the overwhelming number of exhibition entries, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the epitome of moral leadership. He used knowledge, self-confidence, passion, determination, and courage as weapons against injustice throughout his life,” He added, “The record-breaking number of powerful, thoughtful submissions for this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition are a testament to the continuing impact of Dr. King’s words and actions on generations of New York students.”

 

 

Meanwhile, State Education commissioner, Betty A. Rosa, said, “Dr. King forged an enduring legacy for the world to learn from and emulate. His vision of a better, more just world, is captured and reflected beautifully in the artwork and essays that are included in this exhibit.” Rosa added, “New York’s students have created a moving celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy – and I am so grateful for their participation. I would also like to thank our partners at the Office of General Services for once again partnering with us on this project that means so much to so many people.”

 

Each year, NYSED invites schools to honor Dr. King’s memory by submitting original student artworks and essays that reflect his teaching. The student art and essays illustrate Dr. King’s six principles and steps of nonviolence, and celebrate his birthday.

 

To honor Dr. King’s legacy and celebrate Black History Month in February, several pieces of student art are being exhibited by OGS on the Empire State Plaza in Albany, starting Jan. 17 and throughout Black History Month in February.

 

Among the highlights of this year’s exhibit are two group projects. Seventy sixth-grade students from the Springs Union Free School District in East Hampton, Long Island, created a video slideshow titled “We Lead Nonviolent Lives,” that showcases artwork and students reading their essays.

 

Meanwhile, a large mural, entitled “MLK 6 Points of Nonviolence Collaborate Mural,” was created by 725 K-5 students enrolled at P.S. 8 Isaac Varian, located in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx, using paper, markers, pens, pencils, crayons, charcoal, and glue. Some photos of the mural are included here. The remainder can be viewed here.

 

 

Acting OGS commissioner, Jeanette Moy, said Dr. King and the American civil rights movement inspired artists to create content on the continuing struggle for fairness and equality for all. “Through the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition, we hope to pass on this important tradition and encourage New York State’s young creatives to express themselves through their art.

 

The public is also invited to watch, on YouTube, the broadcast of the New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial observance. This visually inspiring one-hour tribute to Dr. King, produced by the Office of General Services, showcases New Yorkers and organizations that embody the principles of one of America’s most recognized and effective leaders.

 

In addition, several service-related programs are held each year by New York State to fulfill Dr. King’s vision of community. These include the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. statewide food drive, which runs through Feb. 11, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statewide book drive, held Feb. 21 to April 22.

 

To mark the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, NYC Human Rights Commission also hosted an online event entitled, “Reclaiming His Dream: Taking Back the Legacy of MLK to Protect Human Rights” on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.

 

See also the latest Out & About section of the Norwood News for other ways to complete a Day of Service in honor of Dr. King.

 

Meanwhile, the entire art exhibition can be viewed online here.