Martin Luther King Jr. 'Living the Dream' Competition

2026 Martin Luther King Jr. "Living the Dream" Competition

Contact: Cailin Dejillas, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 402-444-5065

The City of Omaha's Human Rights & Relations Department and Board, in partnership with the Holland Performing Arts Center, seek students to compete in the 8^th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Living the Dream" competition. Students in grades seven through 12 may enter original social justice, spoken word, music, dance, and art pieces, with the possibility to perform on stage or display their art at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to first ($600) to third ($200) place winners in each category.

Submissions are due November 14, 2025. Performances will be on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026. Please visit the Human Rights and Relations website to learn more about the competition. The Board and Department will attend school classes or activities to answer questions about the competition. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information.

Last year, Omaha Public Schools, Omaha Catholic Schools, Elkhorn Public Schools, and Millard Public Schools participated in the competition. This year, the Department hopes to involve even more area school districts. The competition has a positive impact on students, including Elkhorn High School 10^th grader Maddi Intravartolo, who shared, "I look forward to the Living the Dream Competition all year long, because it gives me an opportunity to speak in front of people who I align with. It is an event that makes me feel seen and heard. Also, I enjoy watching my peers share their creativity and talents on stage. It's cool to meet students from other districts and forge a community with them. It's been a life-changing event for me, and I'm incentivized to keep showing up!"

The Omaha Department of Human Rights and Relations (HR&R) advances economic opportunity and promotes equity for all Omaha residents through engagement, small business development, restorative justice, and investigations, and envisions a community where all Omaha residents are free from discrimination, have a voice, and flourish economically. HR&R Director Cailin Dejillas notes, "We look forward to celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by empowering students to celebrate justice and bring injustice to light."