The winners of the first ever MLK Poster Contest received recognition at the Lake Oswego Library MLK Community Celebration on Wednesday, February 28th. Zachary G. and Lucas G., both of Our Lady of the Lake, created incredible artwork for the contest.

The “Unity in Diversity” Student Art Contest, was aimed at fostering inclusivity and equity within the Lake Oswego community. The collaborative effort with the Library’s MLK celebration was a testament to our collective commitment to celebrating diversity, championing equality, and advocating for social justice.

The program’s phenomenal speakers, Katharine Phelps, City Councilor Mboup, and Mayor Buck celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while giving attendees a challenge to go forward and treat each other with love and compassion. The celebration was postponed in January due to the ice, but reconvened on the Library’s main floor.

Guests were also treated to incredible vocal performances by The Godsisters and Alonzo Chadwick. Poet Emmett Wheatfall read from his poem, “Of Peace and Non-Violence.”

The City was joined by partners from African American Women of Lake Oswego and Surrounding Areas, Bahá’ís of Lake Oswego, LO for LOve, Lake Oswego School District, Lakewood Center for the Arts, Mary’s Woods, and Respond to Racism for this event.  This event was sponsored by the City of Lake Oswego, the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library, and Respond to Racism, with refreshments donated by Starbucks.

Cash awards were provided courtesy Ed and Joann Frankel.