For the sixth straight year, the Hormel Foods African American employee resource group (HAARG) sponsored an essay competition for elementary school students across the nation in observance of Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month.

Contestants were asked to write an essay with the theme, “What Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Means to Me.” Five winning essays are chosen from each school and students were awarded prizes during a surprise announcement at a class or school assembly. HAARG members visited the schools in person to announce the winners recently, including Banfield Elementary School.

“We are proud to continue this contest for the sixth straight year and help children across the country learn, interpret and personalize the messages of Dr. King and what it means to them,” said Antoine Destin, HAARG president emeritus. “It’s important for us to help keep the dream of Dr. King alive and celebrate the rich heritage of African American culture and all its contributions to our country.”

The competition promotes the value and importance of cultural differences and provides a platform for celebrating diversity.  The goals of the program are to promote Martin Luther King’s legacy, encourage children to aim high and give them exposure to minority professionals in corporate America and to create a lasting partnership between Hormel Foods and local schools. Elementary schools across the country are invited to join the competition. Since the competition’s debut in 2011, participating schools have increased from four to 20 in 2017.